River Expeditions: Lindblad Charter Deal Will Put it on Europe’s Waterways
by Bruce Parkinson
Modern expedition cruising specialist Lindblad Expeditions and Transcend Cruises have announced a multi-year charter agreement that the partners say will “reframe European river cruising for discerning travellers looking to experience the continent’s most iconic waterways like a true explorer.”
The initial agreement with Transcend Cruises will run through at least 2028, and will see a notable increase in annual European river departures operated on behalf of the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand year-over-year on board Transcend Cruises’ luxury newbuild ships.
“We are thrilled for the upcoming launch of our unique River Expeditions in Europe — an experience our guests have long desired and will deeply enjoy,” said Natalya Leahy, CEO, Lindblad Expeditions.
“We know that ‘how you see it’ matters, and that’s why we’ve curated these river voyages with the same depth, care, and expertise that define all of our expeditions. With National Geographic naturalists and historians, and exclusive events woven into each journey, our guests will explore Europe’s storied rivers in truly meaningful ways. We’re equally excited to partner with Transcend Cruises to introduce a brand-new ship, custom-designed to deliver the elevated, personalized experience our guests expect from us.”
Hans Rood, CEO, Transcend Cruises, called the partnership symbiotic. “We are a natural fit in working so close together with such a respected brand in mindful exploration travel. Our state-of-the-art newbuild river cruise ships offer both a luxury experience, as well as the opportunity to accommodate the lecturing and mind enriching requirements essential for (Lindblad) travellers.”
Each voyage will be staffed by one of the brand’s veteran Expedition Leaders, several knowledgeable Field Staff, and at least one National Geographic Expert.
For more than 50 years, Lindblad Expeditions has explored some of the world’s most iconic waterways — including the Peruvian Amazon, the Nile in Egypt, and the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the United States’ Pacific Northwest. But this partnership will mark its first foray into Europe river expeditions.
Details of the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand’s first-ever European river expedition season and the chartered vessel will be released in the coming weeks.
