Latest news with #Rhine
TTG
5 days ago
- Business
- TTG
Tui River Cruises vows to 'always' invite independents onboard to see new products
Tui River Cruises will always 'create space' for agents to see its new products, the line's chief has said after the brand revealed the first details of new ship Tui Aria's debut winter season. Katy Berzins, head of Tui River Cruises, told TTG trade bookings were 'really important' to the line, which has four dedicated account managers supporting agents selling river cruise. Over the past 12 months, the line has seen sales via independent agents increase by 30%, with 217 new agents starting to sell its cruises. Earlier this year, the line welcomed a group of independent agents onboard newly refurbished Tui Al Horeya on the Nile following the conclusion of its Make It On Tui River Cruises incentive. 'Trade business is massively important to us,' said Berzins. 'Some of the agent campaigns that we've done have been really well received. It's all about getting more agents to see the product. We're always going to create the space for them to see the product, and that will continue with Tui Bahareya and Tui Aria. 'If third-party agents weren't important, we would not be doing it [offering fam trips]. The trade is great at converting knowledge into sales.' Tui Aria, the largest ship in the line's fleet by capacity, will sail on the Rhine during its debut 2026 winter season, offering two itineraries – Mistletoe and Rhine and North Rhine Noel. It launches next spring. The 190-passenger ship will also operate sailings including Rhine Explorer, Rhine Explorer 2 and Southern Rhine Delights. It will be Tui's fourth to sail Europe's rivers, joining other adult-only vessels Isla, Maya and Skyla. The line is also introducing new Danube sailings onboard Isla so guests can celebrate New Year and visit Belgrade festive markets. To give customers more choice, Tui Isla will operate a four-night Danube cruise visiting Vienna, Linz and Bratislava. All 33 of its 2026/27 winter departures will go on sale on 3 July 2025. Berzins added: 'Every year, it seems to be getting stronger from an occupancy side of things. There's some really strong demand. Shorter duration cruises are doing really well – three- or four-night cruises – across our Rhine and Danube programmes. It has taken us a couple of years to get to this point.' While Tui River Cruises has only been operational for four years, Berzins insists the company has always known there would be 'space in a growing market for us'. 'Bridging the gap' Speaking after Traflagar and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions announced they would start operating river sailings, Berzins added: 'We're really confident in our own positioning. We've got the end-to-end service. That's a huge USP for us. "We've got Tui aircraft and the retail estate. We're very comfortable in the mid-premium space. We want to change perceptions. It all about aligning expectations with the right product.' Berzins said Tui River Cruises was trying to 'bridge the gap' between the river and ocean cruise sectors by offering silent discos onboard and varied dining times. But she added: 'The draw is the destination and how we explore it. A lot of river cruise marketing does not explain that very well. We will give customers the tools to explore the destinations how they want.'
Travel Weekly
6 days ago
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Celebrity will sail the Danube and Rhine in its first season of river cruising
Celebrity River Cruises will cruise the Rhine and Danube in its first season in 2027. The brand, an offshoot of ocean line Celebrity Cruises, announced plans earlier this year to expand into river cruising with an initial order of 10 ships. The design of the ships will be inspired by the Edge-class ocean ships and operate with an all-inclusive model. Alcoholic drinks, WiFi and one excursion per port will be included in the fare, a Celebrity spokesperson confirmed to Travel Weekly. The river cruise line said it will unveil itinerary details and open bookings this summer. The Rhine and Danube are Europe's two most popular waterways for river cruises. The Rhine alone carries about a quarter of river cruise passengers each year, making it the most popular, followed by the Danube, according to Cleveland Research Company. Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty said during the company's Q4 earnings call in late January that expansion into river cruising "is not a hobby for us." "We are taking this extremely seriously, and we want to make sure we can live up to delivering the best vacation experiences in the world and make sure we're doing so in a responsible way," Liberty said. Liberty indicated that about half of Royal Caribbean Group's guests have experienced or intend to take a river cruise. Travel advisors have said that Celebrity's loyal customer base and brand recognition could lure a younger crowd. Celebrity is just one well-known brand wading into river cruising. Lindblad Expeditions has partnered with Transcend Cruises to sail the Rhine, and tour operator Trafalgar will offer Danube and Rhine itineraries.
Travel Weekly
6 days ago
- Business
- Travel Weekly
How river charterer Transcend is making inroads with tour operators
Brinley Hineman Transcend Cruises, which first positioned itself as a solution for the meetings and events market on European rivers, is also attracting tour operators to its charter-only model. The brand designed its river cruise ships with the MICE market in mind, but it now says that land-based tour operator charters are already a sizable piece of its business. Transcend has worked with LGBTQ operator Vacaya and UK-based Imagine Cruising. And it is in discussions with other operators for 2027 and 2028 charters, include those that specialize in niche tours. "From the tour operator side, we identified at the very beginning that that was one of our audience segments," said chief revenue officer Kimberly Daley. Other river cruise ships -- from Tauck, Amadeus River Cruises and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, for example -- can also be chartered. But Daley, whose professional background includes roles at tour operators like Pleasant Holidays, Mountain Travel Sobek and Abercrombie & Kent, said that chartering with those lines can be difficult for tour operators due to the schedules those lines have to keep for their own itineraries. But Transcend's partnership with Lindblad Expeditions through 2028 marks an important milestone. Transcend will operate two National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions itineraries on the Rhine next year on Transcend's 120-passenger Connect, and both companies envision the partnership growing from there. "A lot of what [Lindblad was] trying to achieve was an entry into a growing market and be able to differentiate themselves and enable the type of robust learning and engagement that they're known for," Daley said. The partnership formed after Daley said she began outreach to operators, including Lindblad. The Connect and Evolve will begin cruising next year. The ships can sail the Rhine, Danube and Main, but Transcend's goal is to grow its fleet to 10 to 12 ships on those rivers and other waterways. Transcend allows a level of customization and flexibility that is enticing for operators and not commonly found on other lines, Daley said. The lodging is customizable, with the ability to convert cabins into suites. Partners fully plan their itineraries and excursions for up to seven-night sailings, which enables them to pick and choose what they want to highlight on their itineraries. The lower deck of the ships will have flexible space for wellness activities and a theater to support TED-talk style events. For Lindblad, Daley said, the flexible spaces work for its National Geographic experts and other lecturers. The ability to craft the itinerary from scratch enabled it to create one itinerary focused on castles and another on medieval history. Transcend hopes to be the "brand behind the brand," Daley added, ensuring its partner's branding is front and center with screens to reflect the partner's logo on the ship's exterior. Transcend is actively building partnerships with tour operators and travel agencies, and it anticipates more brands will come on board, but it has reported limited space for next year. "Our goal is to enhance whichever brand is on our ship beyond what they've ever thought was possible," Daley said. "Our imagination is pretty much the limit, other than where the rivers can take us."
Skift
23-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Cruising Into 2025: 29 New Ships, Ports, and Itineraries for Groups
With just 15% of the U.S. population having cruised, planners have an opportunity to create a whole new experience for many of their attendees. The new and upcoming introductions, part of Skift Meetings' just-released report, What's New in Meetings and Incentive Travel 2025, reflect an industry that is constantly adding new itineraries, features, and amenities as it continues to grow and innovate. For some lines, chartering is also an option, giving companies a chance to brand the entire ship and to design their own exclusive, one-of-a-kind journey. One cruise line, Transcend, will launch two ships in 2025, designed specifically for full charters and group buy-outs on the Rhine and Danube rivers. For incentive groups. Emerald's new 128-guest superyachts will feature spacious all-suite accommodations, sky decks with private cabanas, swim-up marina platforms, and wellness-focused amenities, while Ritz-Calton yachts' new Ilma has its own curated art collection with works by artists such as Picasso. In 2027, Aman will bring its land-based hospitality approach to a maritime setting with the Amangati, designed with a focus on privacy and a tranquil onboard experience. 1. Amadeus River Cruises Amadeus River Cruises is launching two new ships: the AMADEUS Amara in 2025 and the AMADEUS Aurea in 2026, both designed for luxury cruising on Europe's Rhine and Danube rivers. The AMADEUS Amara, launching in summer 2025, will feature 12 suites with balconies and 70 cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows, plus an indoor pool and expansive sundeck. The AMADEUS Aurea will offer similar accommodations, along with a sun deck pool, fitness center, and hybrid propulsion technology aimed at improving sustainability. 2. Aman at Sea Set to launch in 2027, Aman at Sea will introduce Amangati, a 47-suite luxury yacht marking the hospitality brand's expansion into ocean travel. The vessel will operate in the Mediterranean and other global regions, offering curated itineraries and the option for private charter. Designed with a focus on privacy and a tranquil onboard experience, Amangati aims to translate Aman's land-based hospitality approach to a maritime setting. 3. American Cruise Line In 2025, American Cruise Lines will launch the American Patriot and American Pioneer, a pair of new 125-passenger coastal ships, sailing East Coast itineraries including a 15-day Grand Florida Coast & Keys cruise. In 2026, sister ships American Maverick and American Ranger (125-passenger, Patriot-class) will debut with similar designs and fully stabilized hulls for smooth cruising along the Eastern Seaboard from Maine to Florida. Onboard highlights include a panoramic Sky Lounge and casual outdoor café on the upper deck. 4. Azamara Cruises Azamara Cruises has unveiled plans for its most extensive world cruise to date, a 188-night journey scheduled for 2027. This voyage aboard the Azamara Quest will span five continents, visiting 37 countries and 103 destinations. Additionally, in August 2026, three separate cruises will feature viewing opportunities for the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. 5. Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Cruise Line has announced the launch of its fourth Excel-class ship, the Carnival Festivale, scheduled to debut in spring 2027 from Port Canaveral, Florida. The ship will feature 1,000 connecting rooms, and a three-deck outdoor area called Sunsation Point, and the company's largest water park at sea. The line also revealed the upcoming Carnival Tropicale for 2028 and plans for three 230,000-gross-ton ships set for delivery between 2029 and 2033. Deployment updates include Mardi Gras shifting to shorter cruises from Port Canaveral, a return to year-round sailings from Mobile, Alabama, and a larger ship replacing Carnival Pride in Baltimore. On the destination side, Carnival will open Celebration Key in The Bahamas this July, expand RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay by late 2026, and redevelop Mahogany Bay in Roatan as Isla Tropicale with new beachfront amenities. 6. Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Cruises Launching in November 2025, Celebrity Xcel will be the fifth edition in Celebrity's Edge series with capacity for up to 3,260 guests. The ship will initially sail seven-night itineraries in the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale. In Summer 2026 it will head to Europe to explore the Mediterranean offering seven-to 11-night journeys out of Barcelona and Athens, including all new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal. Celebrity Cruises is also branching into European river cruising, having recently ordered 10 vessels of a new design with plans to begin sailing in vessels offer 360-degree views and are set to focus on destination-rich itineraries and locally inspired cuisine. 7. CroisiEurope CroisiEurope has announced plans to launch a new 16-suite, 5-anchor river cruise ship in 2027, offering 12-day voyages through the Brazilian Amazon, including routes along the Amazon, Rio Negro, Solimões, Arapiuns, and Tapajós rivers, extending to the Colombian border. 8. Crystal Cruises Crystal Cruises has announced its 2027 World Cruise, a 140- night voyage aboard Crystal Serenity. Departing from San Diego on January 8, 2027, and concluding in Vancouver on May 28, 2027, the itinerary includes 83 destinations across 29 countries and four continents. Highlights encompass ports in Central and South America, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, Southeast Asia, China, South Korea, Japan, and Alaska. 9. Disney Cruise Line Disney Cruise Line is expanding its fleet with the introduction of three new ships. Disney Treasure, a 144,000-gross-ton vessel with 1,250 staterooms, embarked on its maiden voyage from Port Canaveral, Florida, in December 2024, offering seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Disney Destiny is scheduled to enter service on November 20, 2025. This 144,000-gross-ton ship will homeport in Port Everglades, Florida, offering four- and five-night cruises to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean. Its inaugural voyage includes stops at both Disney Castaway Cay, and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Disney Adventure is set to debut in Singapore on December 15, 2025, marking Disney Cruise Line's first foray into the Asian market. This 208,000-gross-ton ship will offer three- to five-night cruises from Singapore. 10. Emerald Cruises Emerald Cruises is set to expand its fleet with the introduction of three new luxury vessels. Emerald Kaia, a 128-passenger superyacht, is scheduled to launch in early 2026, offering voyages across the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Adriatic Seas, as well as the Seychelles. Following this, Emerald Raiya will debut in the Seychelles during winter 2026/27, transitioning to the Eastern Mediterranean in summer 2027, and returning to the Seychelles for the subsequent winter season. Emerald Xara is slated to commence Mediterranean cruises in summer 2027 before heading to the Caribbean for the winter 2027/28 season. These 128-guest superyachts will feature spacious all-suite accommodations, Sky Decks with private cabanas, swim-up marina platforms, multiple dining venues, and wellness-focused amenities, enhancing Emerald Cruises' boutique yachting offerings. 11. Four Seasons Yachts Four Seasons Yachts is set to debut its first vessel, Four Seasons I, in January 2026, offering ultra-luxurious voyages in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. The 679-foot yacht features 14 decks and 95 suites. Onboard amenities encompass 11 dining venues, a full-service spa, and a 66-foot aft deck pool. Itineraries include destinations such as St. Barths, Nevis, Croatia, and Greece, focusing on ports typically accessible only to private yachts. A second vessel, Four Seasons II, is scheduled for delivery in December 2026. 12. MSC Cruises MSC Cruises has recently expanded its fleet with the introduction of the MSC World America, a vessel accommodating up to 6,762 passengers across 22 decks, which commenced Caribbean voyages from PortMiami in April 2025. The company also opened the world's largest cruise terminal with four stories covering 492,678 square feet and capable of processing up to 36,000 passengers across three ships daily. Looking ahead, MSC World Asia is slated to begin service in December 2026 featuring over 40 bars, lounges, and restaurants, offering seven-night Western Mediterranean cruises. MSC Cruises has also announced plans for the MSC World Atlantic, with construction initiated in March 2025. This vessel is expected to homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida, starting in the winter of 2027-2028, offering Caribbean itineraries. 13. Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line is expanding its fleet with the introduction of Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, both part of the Prima Plus Class. Norwegian Aqua, launched in March, is a 156,300-gross-ton vessel measuring 1,056 feet in length and accommodating 3,571 guests. It features the world's first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, an expanded pool deck, enhanced spa services, and three-bedroom duplex suites. The vessel will homeport in Miami and Port Canaveral (Orlando), Fla., as well as New York City, offering Bahamas, Caribbean and Bermuda itineraries. Norwegian Luna is launching soon and shares similar specifications and amenities with itineraries also focused on the Caribbean. Norwegian Cruise Line announced it will homeport the Norwegian Jewel in Philadelphia starting April 2026, after more than a decade away. The ship, with capacity for 2,300 passengers, will voyage to Bermuda, Canada, and New England. 14. Oceania Cruises Oceania Cruises is set to launch its newest ship, Allura, in July 2025. The 67,000-gross-ton vessel will accommodate 1,200 passengers and 800 crew members. Following its Mediterranean debut, Allura will offer itineraries in Canada and New England, and later in the Caribbean, homeporting in Miami. The ship emphasizes Oceania Cruises' culinary focus, boasting multiple dining venues. 15. Orient Express Orient Express Corinthian, the world's largest sailing yacht, is expected to take its maiden voyage in 2026 from its home port of Marseille, France. The more than 700-square-foot yacht will feature 54 luxury accommodations onboard with jacuzzis and sunbeds in some suites. Five restaurants, eight bars, an amphitheater cabaret, a cinema, and a recording studio are among the yacht's features. Other highlights include a 55-foot-long swimming pool, fitness center and yoga studio, and a spa. A second yacht, the Orient Express Olympian is scheduled to debut in 2027, expanding the brand's presence. The first two Orient Express yachts will explore the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Caribbean seas. 16. Paul Gauguin Cruises Paul Gauguin Cruises has completed a multi-million-dollar refurbishment of the m/s Paul Gauguin, a 330-guest ship sailing year round in French Polynesia. Upgrades include a redesigned Le Grill restaurant, a revamped pool deck with shaded cabanas, eight new connecting staterooms, and new sustainable technologies to reduce energy use and plastic waste. The ship is currently operating two repositioning itineraries: a 14-night Immersive Indonesia voyage from Singapore to Australia, and a 16-night Crossing Melanesia sailing to Fiji, before returning to its regular South Pacific routes to the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Cook Islands, and Marquesas in May. 17. Princess Cruises Princess Cruises is set to launch the Star Princess, its second Sphere-class ship, in fall 2025. The 4,300-guest vessel will debut with Caribbean itineraries before repositioning to Alaska in spring 2026. Notable features include an expanded non-smoking casino area, exclusive suites with private dining and relaxation areas. The ship also boasts a new SkyDeck Sports Court and Track for activities like pickleball and basketball. 18. Regent Seven Seas Cruises Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled designs for its next-generation ultra-luxury ships in what it calls the Prestige-Class. The first vessel, Seven Seas Prestige, is scheduled for delivery in 2026, with a second ship expected in 2029. Each ship will accommodate up to 850 guests and feature all-suite, all-balcony accommodations. The ships will offer various itineraries, including destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. 19. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection introduced its second superyacht Ilma in September 2024, following the debut of Evrima in 2022. The 790-foot vessel accommodates up to 448 guests across 224 suites, each featuring private terraces. Onboard amenities include five restaurants, seven bars, two swimming pools, a spa, and a curated art collection with works by artists such as Picasso. Ilma commenced its inaugural season in the Mediterranean and has since joined its sister-ship Evrima in the Caribbean. Slated to debut in July 2025, Luminara is the third superyacht of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection with 226 suites accommodating up to 452 guests. The ship will set sail in the Mediterranean before embarking on voyages in the Asia-Pacific region and Alaska. Alaska and Canada sails feature transits past the Hubbard Glacier, stops at ports like Juneau, and less-visited places such as Klawock and the whale-watching haven of Icy Strait Point. 20. Royal Caribbean UT, Utopia of the Seas, aerial, drone shot, deep blue water, 3/4 angle, aft, rear, starboard, wake, daytime, Royal Caribbean's Icon Class represents a significant advancement in cruise ship design, emphasizing large-scale amenities and family-friendly experiences. The inaugural vessel, Icon of the Seas, launched in January 2024, is currently the largest cruise ship in the world offering 2,834 cabins and 10 event spaces, the largest of which can hold almost 1,400 people. Amenities include 21 dining options, a variety of bars and lounges, several pools, and a fitness center. Subsequent ships, which will take over as the largest when launched, include Star of the Seas and Legend of the Seas, scheduled to enter service in 2025 and 2026,respectively. Royal Caribbean plans to open its first Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island in The Bahamas in December 2025. The 17-acre, all-inclusive destination will feature multiple beaches, pools, private cabanas, and various dining venues. The club will offer areas tailored for both family-friendly activities and adults-only experience. 21. Scenic Cruises Scenic Cruises has expanded its ultra-luxury offerings with the introduction of Scenic Eclipse II, launched in April 2023 to complement Scenic Eclipse I. Both are 168-meter yachts accommodating up to 228 guests in 114 suites. The vessels also boast two helicopters and a submersible for enhanced exploration experiences. Itineraries include destinations across the Americas, Europe, including the Norwegian fjords, Asia, Australia, the South Pacific, the Arctic, and Antarctica. Seabourn Seabourn's newest ship, Seabourn Pursuit, a 264-passenger vessel equipped with two custom-built submarines, 24 Zodiacs, and a 24-person expert expedition team. The ship is designed for diverse environments, adhering to PC6 Polar Class standards. Seabourn's fleet covers destinations such as the Arctic, Antarctica, the Kimberley region in Australia, and the South Pacific. The company has also announced two solar eclipse voyages for August 2026: a 14-day West Ireland Gems & Solar Eclipse cruise on Seabourn Ovation, departing from Dover, England, and a 10-day Spanish Gems & Solar Eclipse cruise on Seabourn Sojourn, sailing roundtrip from Barcelona, Spain. 22. Silversea Cruises In 2024, Silversea expanded its Nova-class fleet with the introduction of two ships: Silver Nova and Silver Ray. Silver Nova debuted in Asia-Pacific, arriving in Kushiro, Japan, in September 2024, before offering voyages in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, introducing the S.A.L.T. culinary program to the region. Silver Ray commenced its inaugural Mediterranean summer season before embarking on a 71-day Grand Voyage through South America and the Caribbean in January 2025, visiting 38 destinations across 17 countries. 23. Transcend Cruises Transcend Cruises' two purpose-built 135-meter river vessels will launch in 2026, Transcend connect will launch in April and Transcend evolve later in Q2. The ships, designed exclusively for full charters and group buy-outs will sail the Rhine and Danube with itineraries ranging from city-based programs in Amsterdam, Cologne, or Vienna to scenic journeys through less-traveled regions. 24. TUI Cruises / Mein Schiff TUI Cruises has expanded its fleet with the launch of Mein Schiff 7 in June 2024 and the upcoming Mein Schiff Relax, delivered in February 2025. Mein Schiff Relax began sailing in March with Mediterranean itineraries from Palma de Mallorca and was officially christened in Málaga in April. The ship accommodates nearly 4,000 passengers and features 14 restaurants and 17 bars. Mein Schiff 7 currently offers cruises to Norway and the Baltic Sea. Following this, Mein Schiff Flow, a sister ship to Mein Schiff Relax, is under construction at Fincantieri's Monfalcone shipyard and is expected to enter service in 2026. 25. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Uniworld will launch its first women-only river cruise in August aboard the S.S. Catherine, sailing the Burgundy & Provence itinerary through southern France. The voyage includes stops in Arles, Avignon, and Viviers, cruising the Rhône and Saône Rivers, with excursions focused on regional art, history, and wine. Actor and comedian Rachel Dratch will join as a special guest, performing a comedy set and Q&A session during the trip. 26. Viking Cruises Viking Cruises is set to expand its fleet with several new vessels. The Viking Vesta, accommodating 998 passengers, will debut in July 2025, offering itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Following this, the Viking Mira is scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2026, and the Viking Libra in the fourth quarter of 2026. Additionally, Viking Nerthus, a 168-passenger river vessel designed for Seine River cruising, has been delivered and will operate eight-day itineraries around Paris and Normandy. 27. Virgin Voyages Virgin Voyages' fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, launches in September 2025 featuring 1,408 cabins, enhancing the company's adults-only offering. Itineraries include sailings from New York to Bermuda and Canada, winter Caribbean cruises from Miami, a Panama Canal crossing, West Coast routes from Los Angeles, and summer voyages to Alaska from Seattle. Virgin Voyages is also offering Eclipse Voyages, two special itineraries themed around the solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. 28. Viva Cruises VIVA Cruises launched its newest ship, VIVA ENJOY, in January 2025. The 95-cabin vessel sails a range of itineraries on the Rhine and Danube, including wellness-focused cruises and routes connecting Amsterdam, Vienna, Budapest, and Frankfurt. 29. Windstar Cruises Windstar Cruises will launch the Star Seeker, its first Star Class newbuild, in December 2025. The ship's maiden voyage departs Málaga, Spain, and ends in Miami on January 13, 2026, where it will be christened. The 224-guest vessel will sail in the Caribbean, Alaska, and Japan throughout 2026, with itineraries between Juneau, Seward, and Vancouver, and later between Tokyo and Osaka.
Travel Weekly
19-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Lindblad Expeditions CEO Natalya Leahy on expanding into Europe river cruising
Lindblad Expeditions will launch river cruises on the Rhine next year in partnership with charter-only operator Transcend Cruises. The cruises will sail under the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions brand and will be its first time sailing on Europe's rivers. River cruise editor Brinley Hineman spoke with Lindblad Expeditions CEO Natalya Leahy about the company's foray into the market and what it hopes will be just the beginning of the venture. Natalya Leahy Q: Lindblad is known for expedition cruising. How will you apply that approach to the Rhine? A: We don't just take people to places, we show them how to see it. Everywhere we go, we surround people with true experts who can explain and guide our guests on how to see the place, how to fully appreciate the history, the cultures and nature, the wildlife of the location, how to photograph it. And that extends onboard, as well. Q: How will this differ from other Rhine cruises? A: I really believe it's going to be a very unique experience. Sophisticated travelers are looking for very authentic, intimate experiences of the destinations when they go to places like this, and I think that's exactly what we are planning to offer: an intimate, sophisticated, enriching destination and experience, both off and on the ship. Q: You already operate river cruises on the Nile and the Amazon. What led you to expand to Europe? A: River cruising is something that we know from extensive research that our guests desire, but they don't want to do it on this mass product that's available. They want to do with the intimacy of a small ship and, really, in that National Geographic way, when they're in a small group with true experts from destinations. The company, even before I joined, had been sort of thinking through this. I also had been intrigued for awhile, even before I joined Lindblad, because I do think there is something about creating a more intimate, more in-depth experience that is not yet on the market. ... The European rivers are just a natural extension of what we have already done, and that desire to experience the history and the culture of the place with National Geographic experts has been confirmed multiple times. Q: What led you to charter with Transcend Cruises? A: It just makes sense to partner with a great partner who already has a perfect ship for us, rather than invest our own capital. That's the reason we did a long-term agreement, because we really do believe that this is a long-term commitment to the destination and will continue to grow. It's important for our partner that it's a long-term relationship, but it's also important for us because we can really invest behind it and promote the destination. ... It just makes sense to have it through charter. It's significantly faster execution but also enables us to really synchronize it with the other destinations we offer to our guests so they don't conflict. Q: The plan you announced calls for two Rhine itineraries, each with four departures, starting in 2026. Are you considering expansion? A: For sure, 100%. That's why it's a three-year agreement. So we plan to start with eight voyages that we are publicizing now, and for sure the ambition is in '27 to offer more, and '28, hopefully, to offer more. We want to expand summer and then, hopefully, some winter. I think that people will love Christmas markets.
