National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has unveiled a range of festive holiday sailings to take place aboard Evolve, a new modern river vessel set to join the company’s European fleet in 2027.

The ship, to be chartered from Transcend Cruises, will sail alongside sister vessel Connect, expanding the co-brand’s presence on Europe’s rivers and effectively doubling its Christmas Market offerings in the region.

The new itineraries are designed to meet growing interest in river cruising during the holiday season, according to Lindblad Expeditions CEO Natalya Leahy.

“Evolve gives us the ability to meet rising demand for our European river expeditions while staying true to our way of traveling — taking people to remarkable places and showing them how to see them in a truly authentic way,” she said.

“These new holiday voyages bring together what people are seeking right now: connection, tradition and shared discovery with the people who matter most. Evolve allows us to offer more of those moments to more guests, without ever changing the essence of what we do.”

Among the highlights are Christmas Market sailings along the Danube, taking guests to festive destinations including Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna. The Christmas Markets on the Danube itinerary features private access to cultural landmarks, such as an orchestral performance in Bratislava, an after-hours visit to Melk Abbey, and exclusive entry to medieval Clam Castle. G

Another featured itinerary, Christmas and New Year’s on the Danube: A Holiday Voyage, allows travellers to celebrate both holidays while sailing through cities adorned for the season, including Budapest, Vienna, and either Salzburg or Český Krumlov. Experiences include an organ concert at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Passau, local wine tastings in the Wachau Valley, festive meals on board and ashore, and exclusive cultural excursions.