Lindblad Expeditions is making a serious play at the luxury river cruise market, signing a multi-year charter deal with Transcend Cruises for an initial period until at least 2028.
The modern expedition cruising company says the charter arrangem “will reframe European river cruising for discerning travellers looking to experience the continent’s most iconic waterways like a true explorer.”
As reported earlier this year in LATTE, Transcend Cruises revealed two new ships would join its B2B business in 2026, Transcend Connect in April and Transcend Evolve later in the year.
The deal will result in 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,” Leahy said.
“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, personalised experience our guests expect from us.”
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Hans Rood, CEO, Transcend Cruises said the business was “extremely pleased to join Lindblad Expeditions in a symbiotic partnership.”
“We are a natural fit in working so close together with such a respected brand in mindful exploration travel.”
“Our state-of-the-art new build river cruise ships offer both a luxury experience, as well as the opportunity to accommodate the lecturing and mind enriching requirements essential for their travellers. With a strong focus on wellness, sustainability and best of services, we are the perfect fit to deliver the programs Lindblad Expeditions require. By collaborating, we are able to create the most exclusive experiences on Europe’s most spectacular waterways.”Working with Transcend Cruises, the operators are developing a series of customised itineraries expertly crafted to provide curious travellers the opportunity to embark on journeys of deep discovery and venture closer, deeper, and farther into the river-side cities, towns, and villages with the experts in expedition, Lindblad Expeditions.
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. Staff will guide guests on private tours, exclusive tastings, and expertly curated synonymous with the co-brand.
Europe river cruising will complement Lindblad Expeditions’s offering in the Peruvian Amazon, the Nile in Egypt, and the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the United States’ Pacific Northwest. This partnership will mark a historic first for the co-brand, which has never offered river expeditions in Europe before.
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.
