- Fleet Expansion: Introduction of the new river ship Evolve in 2027 to join sister ship Connect.
- Strategic Purpose: Meeting rising demand for European river expeditions while maintaining authentic travel standards.
- Holiday Itineraries: Focus on Christmas market voyages along the Danube River, visiting cities like Vienna and Budapest.
- Guest Experience: emphasis on connection, tradition, and shared discovery during the holiday season
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has officially announced the expansion of its river cruise fleet with the introduction of a new vessel named Evolve. Scheduled to make its debut in 2027, the ship will serve as a sister vessel to the Connect, further increasing the company’s capacity on European waterways. This strategic addition is designed to address the growing consumer demand for river expeditions while maintaining the company’s core philosophy of providing authentic and immersive travel experiences.
Lindblad Expeditions CEO Natalya Leahy highlighted that the new ship will allow the company to accommodate more travelers seeking meaningful connections and shared discoveries without compromising the essence of their educational and exploratory mission. The design and operation of Evolve aim to facilitate deep engagement with local cultures and historical sites, rather than merely passing through them.
The launch of Evolve will focus heavily on seasonal holiday tourism, specifically targeting the popular European Christmas markets. The vessel’s initial itineraries will include the “Christmas Markets on the Danube,” offering stops in major cultural hubs such as Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna, as well as smaller, historically significant towns like Český Krumlov and Salzburg. Another key offering, “Christmas and New Year’s on the Danube: A Holiday Voyage,” will extend the festive experience to include Passau, Germany. These voyages are curated to provide guests with a blend of traditional holiday celebrations and intimate exploration of the region’s heritage. By increasing their presence on the Danube, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions aims to offer a distinct alternative to standard river cruising, prioritizing depth of experience and cultural connection for their guests.
