River Cruises
The wild Amazon. The sun-soaked Nile. The sacred Brahmaputra. The great rivers of the world beckon curious travelers to their storied banks to journey through a bygone era. On these historic waterways, we handpick vessels that evoke the splendor of their ports of call, chartering them just for our guests. Sail aboard the Relais & Chateaux members Delfin II and Delfin III in the Amazon or take a culinary journey along the Columbia and Snake Rivers, sampling from a wine list curated by Food & Wine. Along the way, you’ll enjoy active exploration, engaging onboard programs and expert insights from our leading expedition teams—all the hallmarks of the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions experience.
“What imagination is not swept away by the romance and exploration of a river, winding around bend after curious bend? Nothing entwines our sense of mystery and exploration with comfortable observation and tranquility like a voyage on a river.”
Why National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
River Cruise Expeditions
River Cruise Ships
Delfin II
GUESTS 28
CABINS 14
DECKS 3
Sail the Amazon in tropical style and comfort with a small band of explorers
Delfin III
GUESTS 42
CABINS 21
DECKS 3
Explore in tropical style on this elegant 42-guest, all-suite river ship.
National Geographic Sea Bird
GUESTS 62
CABINS 31
DECKS 3
National Geographic Sea Bird accommodates just 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. With a shallow draft and small size, she can easily reach places inaccessible to larger ships.
National Geographic Sea Lion
GUESTS 62
CABINS 31
DECKS 3
National Geographic Sea Lion accommodates just 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. With a shallow draft and small size, she can easily reach places inaccessible to larger ships.
The Jahan
GUESTS 48
CABINS 24
DECKS 3
There is no better way to travel in comfort and grand style than aboard The Jahan. Built in 2011 from the ground up, she is simply the finest ship on the Mekong River.
Lord of the Glens
GUESTS 46
CABINS 24
DECKS 4
Lord of the Glens was built for one purpose—to fit through the network of locks and canals that cut through the heart of the Scottish highlands.
Oberoi Philae
GUESTS 44
CABINS 22
DECKS 5
Originally built for 100 guests, Oberoi Philae was remodeled and reconfigured to accommodate 44 in her peerless style.
Sun Goddess
GUESTS 60
CABINS 30
DECKS 5
The elegant Sun Goddess carries a maximum of only 60 guests in 30 spacious suites, providing an intimate and exceptionally comfortable experience on the world’s longest river.
Charaidew II
GUESTS 34
CABINS 17
DECKS 3
The Charaidew II is a testament to luxury river cruising in India, blending modern comfort with traditional Assamese charm.
The Expedition Team
Traveling aboard our chartered vessels, guests enjoy all the benefits of exploring with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, including access to our immersive programming and leading guides. Every member of our team—from our naturalists and photographers to our expedition leaders—is committed to ensuring you have an unforgettable experience. Many are veteran and locally based guides chosen for their extensive knowledge of subjects like wildlife biology and cultural history. Exploring in small groups, you’ll hear different perspectives every day, and because there are no group assignments, you can gravitate toward experts who share your interests and inspire your curiosity.
On voyages aboard the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet, our dedicated hotel team ensures that your time on board is as comfortable and rewarding as your time on shore.
Photo Gallery: River Cruise Highlights
Caledonian Canal, Scotland
Travelers watch on as Lord of the Glens transits the lock system on the Caledonian Canal.
Photo Gallery: River Cruise Highlights
Amazon River, Peru
Travelers navigate the winding Amazon River in the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve by kayak.
Photo Gallery: River Cruise Highlights
Lower Snake River, Washington
Guests on the ship National Geographic Sea Lion take in the view as they approach Ice Harbor Lock and Dam, Lower Snake River in southeastern Washington.
Photo Gallery: River Cruise Highlights
Giza, Egypt
On our Egyptian expeditions, we visit great pyramids of Giza—one of the seven ancient wonders of the world.
Photo Gallery: River Cruise Highlights
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
A traveler photographs the sunrise over the historic Angkor Wat against a glass-like pond.
Photo Gallery: River Cruise Highlights
Kaziranga National Park, India
Guests set out on jeep safaris in Assam's Kaziranga National Park to spot incredible wildlife, including the Asian one-horned rhinoceros, Asian elephants and the elusive Royal Bengal tiger.
Photo Gallery: River Cruise Highlights
Palouse River, Washington
Travelers explore the cliffs and rolling hills of the Palouse River by Zodiac, led by our veteran expedition team.
Photo Gallery: River Cruise Highlights
Amazon River, Peru
Travelers explore the winding waterways and vibrant jungles of Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve by skiff.
Photo Gallery: River Cruise Highlights
Luxor, Egypt
A traveler captures the stone columns at the Ramesseum Temple in Luxor which depicts the Egyptian god Osiris.
Photo Gallery: River Cruise Highlights
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Dancers perform a traditional Apsara Dance for travelers at a private dinner at an Angkor Temple.
Photo Gallery: River Cruise Highlights
Tobermory, Scotland
Guests take a leisurely walk to explore Scotland's rugged coast in Tobermory.
Photo Gallery: River Cruise Highlights
Kom Ombo, Egypt
Oberoi Philae departs from Kom Ombo to cruise further south on the Nile toward Aswan.
Latest Video
In Good Company: Exploring the Upper Amazon with Carlos Romero
- Jan 2024
"The Amazon is one of my favorite destinations on Earth," says Expedition Leader Carlos Romero, who has been working with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions for over three decades. “The endless river, the endless greenery, and the endless opportunities to learn and look for wildlife make this place very special.” As guests explore aboard the 14-suite Delfin II, they’ll encounter the rainforest’s rare creatures and welcoming riverside communities in the most authentic way possible. In this episode of In Good Company, Romero shares why he thinks every traveler should experience this biodiverse region at least once in their lifetime.
View our brochure for more details
Explorations 2025-27