This strategic alliance marks the beginning of the expedition cruise company’s expansion into European river cruises, commencing in 2026.

NEW YORK, May 6, 2025 – Lindblad Expeditions, a pioneer in expedition cruising, and Transcend Cruises jointly announced a multi-year charter agreement. This agreement aims to redefine European river cruising for travelers seeking an authentic exploration of the continent’s most famous waterways.

The initial agreement with Transcend Cruises, set to last until at least 2028, will feature a year-over-year increase in European river departures operated under the Lindblad Expeditions co-brand. These voyages will take place aboard Transcend Cruises’ newly constructed luxury ships.

“We are very excited about the upcoming launch of our unique River Expeditions in Europe—an experience our guests have been anticipating and will thoroughly enjoy,” said Natalya Leahy, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions. “We understand the importance of perspective, which is why we’ve meticulously designed these river voyages with the same level of detail, care, and expertise that characterizes all our expeditions. With National Geographic naturalists and historians on board, along with exclusive events incorporated into each journey, our guests will explore Europe’s historical rivers in deeply meaningful ways. We are also pleased to be partnering with Transcend Cruises to introduce a completely new ship, specifically designed to provide the elevated, personalized experience our guests have come to expect from us.”

“Transcend Cruises is delighted to partner with Lindblad Expeditions in a mutually beneficial relationship. We are a natural fit, working closely with such a well-regarded brand in conscious exploration travel,” stated Hans Rood, CEO of Transcend Cruises. “Our cutting-edge, newly built river cruise ships offer a luxurious experience, while also providing the space and resources needed for lectures and enriching activities, essential for their travelers. With a strong emphasis on wellness, sustainability, and superior service, we are ideally suited to deliver the programs Lindblad Expeditions requires. Through this collaboration, we can create the most exclusive experiences on Europe’s most stunning waterways.”

Lindblad Expeditions and Transcend Cruises are collaborating to develop a series of customized itineraries, expertly designed to provide curious travelers with the opportunity to embark on immersive journeys. These voyages will allow guests to explore river-side cities, towns, and villages more intimately, deeply, and extensively, guided by Lindblad Expeditions’ expertise in expedition travel.

Each voyage will be led by a veteran Expedition Leader, along with several knowledgeable Field Staff members and at least one National Geographic Expert. The staff will lead guests on private tours, exclusive tastings, and expertly curated experiences synonymous with the co-brand.

For over 50 years, Lindblad Expeditions has explored iconic waterways, including the , the , and the in the United States. However, this partnership marks a significant milestone for the co-brand, as it represents their first venture into offering river expeditions in Europe.

Details about the inaugural European river expedition season from the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand, as well as information about the chartered vessel, will be released in the coming weeks. To discover more about Transcend Cruises, visit ; additional information about Lindblad Expeditions and the co-brand can be found at .

About Lindblad Expeditions:
Lindblad Expeditions, LLC, a subsidiary of Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: LIND), is a recognized pioneer in modern expedition cruising, having established the category when the family organized the first non-scientific civilian expedition to Antarctica in 1966.

With almost 60 years of experience and operational excellence, Lindblad Expeditions manages the largest and most diverse fleet of expedition ships in the industry. This fleet includes 22 owned and chartered purpose-built vessels, accommodating between 16 and 148 guests. Lindblad Expeditions provides over 100 unique itineraries across six continents, managing and operating more than 600 annual departures on behalf of the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand. Together, these two industry leaders offer unmatched expertise, bringing together leading scientists, naturalists, and researchers to inspire travelers, create memorable experiences, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the planet and its people.

For additional details about Lindblad Expeditions, its expanding fleet, and the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand, please visit .

About Transcend Cruises:
Transcend Cruises is a new, global B2B charter-only river cruising company. Addressing a gap in the market, the company offers a business model uniquely tailored for group travel. Using a fleet of purpose-built, wellness-focused luxury river cruise ships and an innovative service model for multi-day tours, meetings, and events, the company designs custom experiences for each client. The company’s ships offer the space, flexible accommodations, and exceptional support needed to meet the challenges faced by those organizing meetings, incentives, corporate groups, and events.

SOURCE Lindblad Expeditions

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