National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions will offer European river cruises for the first time in 2026, with two new Rhine itineraries opening for public bookings on 20 May 2025. Early access is currently available to past guests.
The launch includes two eight-day expedition-style cruises aboard Connect, a newly built, 120-guest European river vessel constructed in 2025. Sailings will run between Amsterdam and Brussels, and Cologne and Basel.
According to Lindblad Expeditions CEO Natalya Leahy, the river offering represents a “bold new vision” for the brand.
“These new itineraries are crafted with the same pioneering spirit that defines our expeditions around the world,” Leahy said.
New rivers, familiar format
This is the first time the company has entered the European river cruise market, adding to an expedition portfolio that includes the Peruvian Amazon, the Nile, and North America’s Columbia and Snake Rivers.
All voyages will follow Lindblad’s standard expedition format, staffed by an Expedition Leader, National Geographic Experts and Field Staff. Guests can expect expert-led shore excursions, exclusive access to cultural experiences, and curated onboard dining.
Two new Rhine itineraries unveiled
Lindblad has released two distinct eight-day voyages as part of its inaugural European season:
The eight-day ‘Rhine River: Castles, Culture and Culinary Delights’ itinerary includes:
- Sailing through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a private reception hosted by the lord of Rheinstein Castle
- Wine tastings with nuns at St. Hildegard Abbey and historic pours at Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg
- Private tour of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s home in Frankfurt
- Dinner with students at Heidelberg University
Guests will also visit Mainz, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Strasbourg and Colmar.
The second eight-day itinerary, ‘Holland and Belgium: Medieval History and Scenic Waterways’, includes:
- Spring-time walks through the tulips of Keukenhof gardens
- After-hours museum tours featuring works by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Rubens and Vermeer
- A progressive Belgian food tour in Antwerp
- Scenic cruising past windmills, canals and countryside
Other ports include Amsterdam, Antwerp and Delft, with excursions focusing on art, Jewish heritage and regional food traditions.
A new ship joins the fleet
The chartering of Connect marks a notable expansion of Lindblad Expeditions’ expedition cruise portfolio. The new long-ship has been custom-built for European river cruising with floor-to-ceiling windows, environmentally conscious technology, and modern onboard amenities.
Purpose-built for National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, Connect is set to debut in Europe in 2026.
Its addition brings the Lindblad fleet to 23 owned and chartered, mission-built expedition ships operated globally under the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Lindblad Expeditions entering the European river market is a notable development for Aussie agents working in luxury and expedition cruising. The Rhine-focused itineraries lean into the brand’s global expedition credentials, while the inclusion of cultural exclusives and Field Staff-led touring makes this a distinctive offer in a crowded market. With the National Geographic co-brand and a trade-friendly format, it’s one to watch.
