Lindblad Plans Biggest River Cruise Season Yet for 2027-28

Lindblad Expeditions has outlined its largest river cruise season to date for 2027-28, expanding its lineup across Europe, Egypt, India and Vietnam. CEO Natalya Leahy said the growth reflects the company’s push to broaden curated travel options alongside its core expedition cruising business.

“Our river journeys invite guests to see the world in a more intentional way,” Leahy said, adding that the company is “delighted to offer even more ways to explore,” including new European Christmas market itineraries.

A broader river collection across four regions

The 2027-28 river season adds capacity and more departure options in multiple markets, with Lindblad positioning the product as an extension of its expedition-style approach, including an “unhurried” pace and closer engagement with destinations. The company said voyages will continue to be guided by veteran expedition leaders and field staff with regional knowledge, both onboard and during shore experiences.

Leahy linked the river program to the company’s broader brand positioning. “Across our fleet, from rivers to open seas, we’re continuing to reimagine how people experience the world,” she said, adding that the company’s goal is deeper connection with places and people.

Europe: more departures and a first winter season

In Europe, Lindblad plans additional spring and summer departures in 2027 following what it described as strong reception for its initial European river offering. Routes include itineraries through Amsterdam’s canals and the French countryside.

Speaking during the company’s third-quarter earnings call, Leahy said, “Our inaugural European river cruising program exceeded expectations,” adding that Lindblad increased the number of 2027 voyages with added spring and summer departures and new holiday-period itineraries.

Evolve joins the fleet in 2027

A key addition for Europe is the river vessel Evolve, set to join the fleet in 2027. Lindblad said the ship will introduce three European Christmas market voyages and one holiday voyage, extending the company’s European river program into winter for the first time.

The Connect will continue operating European itineraries during spring and summer.

Signature rivers returning in Egypt, India and Vietnam

Alongside the expanded Europe program, Lindblad is bringing back a set of established vessels on major river systems in 2027-28:

• India: Charaidew II returns to the Brahmaputra River.
• Vietnam: The Jahan resumes sailings on the Mekong River.
• Egypt: Oberoi Philae continues on the Nile, with itineraries that include a stop at the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum.

Growth approach: charters now, while weighing purchases and newbuilds

Lindblad leadership said the expanded river season fits into broader capacity planning as demand trends remain positive. Leahy told investors, “This sustained strength in demand for our product presents compelling opportunities to strategically expand our capacity, including through newbuilds and charter partnerships.”

Leahy also described chartering as a way to add capacity while managing capital requirements. “Chartering a ship is a good way to meet demand in specific destinations without requiring significant upfront investment,” she said, while noting that charter arrangements can come with constraints and that the company is weighing other options.

“We are definitely looking at the buying existing tonnage if we find something that is accretive as a return on investment and satisfies our brand criteria,” Leahy said, adding that Lindblad is evaluating opportunities as they arise.

Chief Financial Officer Rick Goldberg pointed to balance sheet flexibility for further growth. “With a stronger balance sheet and ample liquidity, we’re well positioned to aggressively pursue accretive growth opportunities,” he said, including fleet expansion through charters, acquisitions and/or newbuilds, as well as adding land-based experiences.

Bookings: strength in 2026 trends and early lift for 2027

Leahy said bookings are trending ahead for 2026 and that demand has also increased for 2027 following the launch of the company’s 2027 deployment. “Our net booking course remains strong for 2026 in both segments and is tracking significantly ahead of the prior year,” she said, adding that 2027 bookings have shown an “encouraging uptick.”

She also pointed to improved performance from onboard sales, saying bookings as a percentage more than tripled year-over-year. Leahy attributed the increase to onboard experts helping guests discover future destinations and convert into repeat travelers.

While Lindblad has not issued guidance for 2026, Leahy said the company is pursuing multiple commercial initiatives with an operational aim of returning to historical occupancy levels of around 90%.

Next steps for the river collection will center on executing the expanded Europe schedule, including the Evolve’s winter sailings, while continuing established itineraries on the Nile, the Brahmaputra and the Mekong as Lindblad evaluates additional capacity options across charters, potential acquisitions and newbuild opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which destinations are included in Lindblad Expeditions’ 2027-28 river season?

The expanded river collection spans Europe, Egypt, India and Vietnam, including itineraries on the Nile, the Brahmaputra and the Mekong, plus multiple European routes such as sailings through Amsterdam’s canals and the French countryside.

What is new in Europe for 2027?

Lindblad is adding more spring and summer departures and expanding into winter for the first time with new Christmas market and holiday voyages. The winter expansion is supported by the addition of the Evolve, while the Connect will continue operating European itineraries during spring and summer.

Which ships are returning for river cruises in India, Vietnam and Egypt?

The lineup includes Charaidew II on India’s Brahmaputra River, The Jahan on the Mekong River in Vietnam, and Oberoi Philae on the Nile in Egypt. Lindblad said Nile itineraries will include a stop at the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum.

How is Lindblad planning to expand capacity beyond the announced river itineraries?

Leadership said the company is increasing charter offerings and is also evaluating acquisitions and possible newbuilds. Leahy characterized charters as a “capital-light” option while also noting the company is weighing other avenues, including potentially buying existing tonnage if it meets return and brand criteria.

What is Lindblad doing to attract repeat customers?

Leahy said the onboard sales program has improved conversion of first-time guests into repeat travelers, with bookings as a percentage more than tripled year-over-year, which she attributed to onboard experts helping guests discover future destinations.