European adventure awaits in 2026, when National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions launches two new river cruises aboard the brand-new river ship Connect: Holland and Belgium: Medieval History and Scenic Waterways and Rhine River: Castles, Culture and Culinary Delights. These eight-day all-inclusive voyages are curated with private tours, exclusive cultural experiences and exceptional cuisine, bringing guests the very best Europe has to offer. For this edition of What to Expect, we spoke with Expedition Developer Bill Robison to find out what makes these voyages stand out above the rest and why it's time to see Europe differently with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. Get Inspired By Photos, Videos, Webinars, Stories, And Exclusive Offers. Sign Up
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has been exploring Europe’s coastal shores and islands for decades. Why are we introducing rivers and how will the experience differ from our other European voyages?
Expanding our reach from Europe’s rugged coastlines to its storied rivers will provide incredible new opportunities for our guests to not only see more of this extraordinary region, but to experience it from a unique perspective through the lens of National Geographic. Our CEO Natalya Leahy said it best, “We know that ‘how you see it’ matters.” That has been our philosophy on the oceans and now on rivers where you’ll enjoy the same deeply immersive and authentic approach to exploration.
While the coastal voyages aboard our expedition ships focus more on wildlife and active exploration via hiking, kayaking and Zodiac rides, our river cruises will put more of an emphasis on Europe’s rich history, culture and cuisine as we sail from one storied riverfront city to the next.
How does Connect compare to other ships currently sailing Europe’s waterways?
We are delighted to add the sleek, new Connect to our growing collection of bespoke charter vessels. Designed with cutting-edge technology and sustainability at top of mind, she’ll set sail for the very first time in 2026, giving our guests the opportunity to be the first to enjoy all of her luxurious amenities. There’s an array of public spaces that will enhance your time aboard, from an expansive wellness area and several dining options including an al fresco bar and grill to the highlight of this ship—the dramatic, two-story amphitheater-style Forum where everyone will gather for daily Recaps.
At the end of each day, you’ll retire to beautiful, large cabins, which are all situated above water-level and feature full-width floor-to-ceiling windows and gorgeous spa showers. Cabins can easily be combined into suites for families or friends traveling together. With a maximum capacity of 120 guests, Connect's small scale will lead to a truly intimate experience that will quickly foster an onboard camaraderie with your like-minded, fellow travelers.
How will the expedition team help differentiate these trips from other river cruises?
The staff-to-guest ratio of about 2:1TK is an outstanding differentiator, ensuring our guests will be well cared for every step of the journey. Each voyage is staffed with an expedition leader, historian, a cultural expert and a certified photography instructor along with a National Geographic destination expert or National Geographic photographer—this seasoned team will enrich your experience with their depth of knowledge and bring Europe’s rich history to life both on shore and back on board during presentations or casual dinner conversations.
What type of daily activities will be offered on these voyages?
Each day will be filled with enriching excursions to museums, wineries, gardens, castles and other cultural or historical landmarks. In some places, you’ll be able to choose your own adventure for the day. For example, on spring departures of our Holland and Belgium voyage, guests can either embark on a walking tour and canal cruise that delves into the city’s history and architecture or explore the spectacular Keukenhof Gardens with its famous tulips in bloom. In Rotterdam, you’ll choose between a visit to the Hague or the Royal Delft factory, the last remaining producer of the iconic blue pottery. Photography walks and bicycling tours are offered in many of the cities and towns you’ll stop in, plus guests are free to take one of the touring bikes available aboard the ship and explore off on their own.
What types of food and beverages will be offered on board, and will there be any opportunities to dine off the ship?
Exceptional cuisine is central to both itineraries and meals will be thoughtfully curated to focus on regional dishes and local ingredients. Food, wine and beer aboard Connect are all-inclusive, with premium spirits available for purchase, and a sommelier will be on board to assist with wine pairings.
Depending on the voyage, there are also a variety of memorable culinary experiences planned aboard ship. After a day in Strasburg, indulge in an epicurean feast paired with a cabaret-style chanson réaliste performance or enjoy Frühschoppen, a traditional German mid-morning gathering filled with hearty food and local drinks as you sail through the stunning Rhine Gorge. Off the ship in Antwerp, sample Belgian fries, waffles and chocolate on a progressive food tour, followed by a Belgian beer tasting hosted by a beer sommelier. Of course, there will be opportunities in some cities for independent exploration where you are welcome to dine out on your own.
Perched on a hillside, the Rheinstein Castle is a stunning highlight of a voyage along the Rhine.
Will there be any special or exclusive opportunities that are unique to these voyages with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions?
There are several that stand out. In Rüdesheim in the Rhine Valley, you’ll visit St. Hildegard Abbey, a beautiful Benedictine monastery, where you’ll taste Riesling served by the resident nuns. In Amsterdam, take a Jewish Heritage tour that is led by a Holocaust survivor or the family member of a survivor. Guests will also enjoy exclusive access to the Rheinstein Castle with a champagne reception hosted by the castle's lord, as well as private, after-hours visits to the Kröller-Müller Museum in Arnhem and the Mauritshuis Museum in Rotterdam. For a bit of fun and local flavor, in Heidelberg you’ll lunch with university students at a local brewery as they share stories about life at one of Germany’s oldest academic institutions.
Do guests have the option to extend their trip and spend more time in the region?
There is always more to see in Europe which is why we’re offering four new 2-day extensions designed to complement our river voyages. Guests joining the Rhine River itinerary can opt to spend extra time touring the architecture, history and culture of Cologne and Bonn, Germany or taking in extraordinary alpine scenery in Switzerland’s Lucerne, Interlaken and Grindelwald. Before or after the Holland and Belgium voyage, guests can extend their trip with two days in Amsterdam or in Brussels and Bruges.
