Lindblad Expeditions has entered a multi-year charter agreement with Transcend Cruises to offer European river expeditions for the first time in the company's history.
The deal, which extends through at least 2028, will utilize Transcend's luxury newbuild ships for National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-branded voyages. The partnership promises to increase annual European river departures year-over-year, according to the announcement.
"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 of Lindblad 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."
Hans Rood, CEO of Transcend Cruises, described the arrangement as a "symbiotic partnership" between the companies.
"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 their travelers," said Rood.
Each voyage will be staffed by a Lindblad veteran Expedition Leader, several Field Staff members and at least one National Geographic Expert who will guide guests on private tours and exclusive tastings.
While Lindblad has extensive experience with river expeditions on waterways such as the Peruvian Amazon, the Nile in Egypt and the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest, this marks their first venture into European river cruising.
The companies are jointly developing customized itineraries aimed at providing travelers with opportunities for "deep discovery" of riverside destinations throughout Europe.
Details about the expedition season and chartered vessels will be released in the coming weeks.
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Lindblad Expeditions and Transcend Cruises. It was fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
