New Player in European River Cruising

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is setting its sights on Europe for the first time, launching two new eight-day river itineraries along the Rhine in April 2026. Known for their pioneering spirit and immersive expedition-style voyages, the cruise line will now bring that same approach to some of Europe’s most storied waterways.

Sailing aboard the brand-new 120-guest Connect —a purpose-built river ship launched in 2025—guests will explore the Rhine in serious style. With wraparound windows, high-tech sustainability features, and luxurious interiors, the vessel is designed to glide through the heart of historic towns and wine country alike.

The two new itineraries —Rhine River: Castles, Culture and Culinary Delights and Holland and Belgium: Medieval History and Scenic Waterways — will run from Amsterdam to Brussels and Cologne to Basel. Early access bookings are now open for past guests, with public sales launching 20 May.

Highlights include:

• Exclusive receptions at medieval castles along the Rhine Gorge
• Private tastings, including Riesling poured by nuns at St. Hildegard Abbey and centuries-old vintages in Strasbourg
• After-hours museum visits to see masterpieces by Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Vermeer
• Dining with students in Heidelberg and embarking on a progressive food tour in Antwerp

Each voyage will be led by seasoned expedition leaders and feature National Geographic experts, blending cultural depth with hands-on exploration.

The move marks a new chapter for Lindblad, whose ships already cruise the Peruvian Amazon, the Nile, and the Columbia and Snake Rivers. With the launch of Connect, the fleet now boasts 23 expedition ships—reinforcing the brand’s mission to deliver discovery-led experiences in some of the world’s most fascinating places.

For more information, visit www.expeditions.com or call 1300 361 012 (AU) / 0800 444 462 (NZ).