Connect
- capacity
- 120
- year built
- 2025
- crew members
- 54
- length
- 442 feet
- beam
- 38 feet
- flag
- Switzerland
Come aboard the 120-guest Connect for a state-of-the-art riverboat that cruises Europe with National Geographic guides. Launching in 2026 under charter by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, this ship sets a new standard for elegance and education, with daily programming both on board and off that aims to immerse guests in Europe’s rich history, culture and cuisine.
Connect Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ MY National Geographic Connect review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Please read our Connect ship review below then contact our small ship cruise experts to compare the Connect with other small cruise ships and yachts offering small ship cruises in Northern Europe.
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Choose the National Geographic Connect for her cutting-edge technology, panoramic views and harmonious blend of luxury and sustainability. This contemporary river ship combines the charm of European river cruising with the deeply immersive and authentic approach to exploration that National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is known for.
Design & Sustainability
Travelers aboard the Connect riverboat can appreciate her thoughtful design elements, especially her ability to pivot from one-room cabins to two-room suites. Her layout also seamlessly blends various decks and social spaces, fostering a welcoming atmosphere and an ease of navigation around the ship.
Connect’s carefully sourced build materials began her environmentally friendly initiatives, and her green technology continues the theme with processes aimed at minimizing food waste and power usage. Additionally, the ship is stocked with environmentally friendly onboard amenities.
Onboard Facilities
MY National Geographic Connect is designed to delight her guests while on board. Between excursions, travelers can take advantage of a bow-to-stern Sun Deck, as well as a spa, a two-story amphitheater, library, yoga studio, gym and generous lounge areas. An inviting atmosphere of camaraderie and learning is achieved through onboard experiences such as musical performances and wine tastings. And the lounges, observation decks and library are open around the clock.
Dining & Bars
Connect seats all guests at the same time, in an unassigned manner. Meals are typically available in the elegant and understated main dining room and bistro, however an al fresco grill may also be employed for an even more casual experience (for smaller items, available three times daily). Guests can expect exceptional cuisine that’s reflective of the local regions through which Connect sails. And those who appreciate wine can take advantage of the onboard wine room and sommelier.
All lounges feature hosted bars with complimentary beer and wine, as well as premium spirits available for purchase. Connect also offers her guests premium coffees, teas and non-alcoholic drinks. The aft lounge provides light snacks during the day and tapas at night. The daytime library coffee bar is provisioned with pastries and to-go items. And room service is available by request.
Sun Deck
The star of any river ship is her top deck, and Connect’s teak and turf Sun Deck is no exception. An outdoor cinema offers movie nights under the stars. Tables and chairs encourage relaxation either in direct sun or under shaded areas. And an aft open-air yoga studio with a circular setting makes stretching a community activity.
Forum Amphitheater & Lounges
The Connect riverboat uniquely features a stunning two-story Forum amphitheater, equipped with the latest audio-visual technology. This bright, modern, classroom-like space is optimized for performances, educational lectures and daily Recaps, acting as the nexus of activity.
Two forward lounges—one indoors and one outdoors—offer inviting spaces for guests to mingle, with glass walls for constant connection to Europe’s charming canals, cities and countryside. The indoor forward lounge features the ship’s resident pianist throughout each sailing. The interior aft lounge has a fully-stocked bar and even adds a ceiling of glass, for sheltered stargazing paired with a nightcap.
Wellness Amenities
Connect’s array of wellness spaces aim to enrich and relax both body and mind. The fitness center features the latest equipment to walk, run, bike, spin, stretch and lift weights. And a dedicated al fresco yoga area encourages health and mindfulness.
The ship’s sauna is designed with floor-to-ceiling windows, as is the adjacent spa relaxation room with chaise loungers bathed in sunlight. Separate spa rooms are equipped with massage tables for various onboard treatments.
Off-Ship Activities
Connect carries a fleet of bikes (including e-bikes) for guests to independently explore Europe’s scenic canals and rolling hills, and guided bicycle tours may also be offered. Daily programming is varied and rich, with visits to cultural highlights such as museums, wineries, gardens and castles, plus opportunities to participate in photography walks and tasting tours. Select itineraries even allow for independent dining off the ship.
Crew, Guides & Expedition Leaders
The Connect European riverboat features a 1:2.2 crew-to-guest ratio, ensuring travelers are well attended to. Enriching every departure is an expedition leader, historian, cultural expert and certified photo instructor, plus a National Geographic-affiliated destination expert or photographer.
National Geographic-Lindblad is known for their veteran guide team, who provide highly educated, deep knowledge of the destinations in which they sail. Guests aboard MY National Geographic Connect can expect both guides and crew to bring European culture to life through food, performance and lectures.
Cabins & National Geographic Connect Deck Plan
At its base, Connect is designed with 60 spacious staterooms, some of which have been converted to larger two-room suites (including family suites for triple and quad occupancy). Each base one-room cabin is well-appointed with one European king or two twin beds; sash window balcony (top half of window lowers for open air); two large wardrobes; desk and chair; WiFi; individual thermostat; 55-inch smart TV; mini library; coffee/tea maker; minibar; and private bathroom with smart glass spa shower, bathrobe, slippers, hair dryer and sustainable bath products.
