National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is expanding its river cruising portfolio in Europe, announcing plans to charter a second ship in 2027. Following the debut of the Transcend Connect next year, the expedition-focused brand will also charter the Transcend Evolve from Transcend Cruises to meet rising demand for immersive river itineraries.
The addition of the Evolve will allow the company to extend operations into the winter season, launching Christmas market cruises across Europe – a first for the National Geographic-Lindblad partnership. The move underscores the growing appeal of small-ship expedition cruising paired with cultural and seasonal experiences.
Beyond Europe, the operator plans to expand its 2027–2028 river cruise portfolio with new sailings in Egypt, India, and Vietnam, reinforcing its focus on exploration-driven travel across diverse waterways.
