In an intriguing development, Lindblad Expeditions just announced that it will expand to a region requested by many of its guests – the rivers of Europe! The expedition line has inked a multi-year charter agreement for new luxury European river vessels from the new Transcend Cruises.
Look for those voyages to start sometime in 2026. The charter agreement will run through at least 2028.
For 50+ years, Lindblad has offered river cruises that explore the U.S. Pacific Northwest’s Columbia and Snake Rivers, Egypt’s Nile River and the Peruvian Amazon. But this marks the expedition brand’s first venture on European rivers.
(In the photo above, readers can see a rendering of one of the new vessels of Transcend Cruises, launching in 2026. Lindblad Expeditions just signed a charter agreement with Transcend. Photo by Transcend Cruises.)
Into Europe with Lindblad Expeditions
As for details about National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions‘ first season of European voyages, the specific itineraries and vessel details are yet to be released,” explains Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel. “But we expect to know more very soon.” Here’s what we do know below.
The new river journeys in Europe will provide “an experience our guests have long desired and will deeply enjoy,” believes Natalya Leahy, CEO, Lindblad Expeditions. “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.”
Lindblad says its goal is to “reframe river cruising.” That means bringing an expeditionary focus/feel as travelers explore river cities, towns, villages and eco-areas. Leahy stresses that the expedition line is curating the new river voyages with “the same depth, care, and expertise that define all our expeditions.”
Right now, Leahy and Hans Rood, CEO, Transcend Cruises, are developing a series of customized itineraries. Each voyage will be staffed by one of Lindblad’s veteran expedition leaders.
Also, several Lindblad field staffers and at least one National Geographic expert will sail with guests. Staff will guide guests on private tours, exclusive tastings and some shoreside adventures.
Transcend Factoids
In case you haven’t heard of Transcend Cruises, it’s a B2B charter owner and operator. So, it doesn’t sell directly to consumers. Instead, it will charter vessels to Lindblad and other companies or groups.
Rood says that his company’s state-of-the-art newbuild river cruise ships will definitely offer a luxury experience. They’ll have a strong emphasis on wellness, sustainability and the best of services.
Transcend’s first new river vessel, Transcend Connect, is under construction at Den Breejen Shipyard in the Netherlands. Look for its debut in spring 2026.
At present, Lindblad hasn’t announced if that’s the specific chartered vessel that will operate the Lindblad sailings. Again, more details are expected in a few weeks.
Readying for Lindblad Expeditions in Europe
That said, are you a past Lindblad guest or one from another expedition line? “My advice for those interested in Lindblad’s ‘more exploratory’ European river cruise approach is to advise your personal travel advisor of your interest,” says Pavlus’ Steudle.
“It will be something unique to see elements of an ocean expeditionary experience melded into a European river journey,” she says. “When we know more about what exactly is planned, we’ll keep you posted.”
Globally, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions also offers many other ocean and river journeys. Other river lines are also debuting new river options in Europe.
To discuss itineraries for any European river vacation, get expert advice in selecting the best accommodations, and receive the best price with top-notch service, talk with a skilled personal travel planner today.
