BOSTON — Two powerhouse travel companies – National Geographic Expeditions and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours – are pairing up to launch a new line of river cruises.

The new line, titled ‘National Geographic River Cruises’, will combine Scenic’s all-inclusive, luxury river cruise experience with National Geographic’s focus on science, conservation and exploration.

Each sailing will be accompanied by a National Geographic expert who will lead presentations and informal discussions, and will also feature a wide range of experiential excursions to choose from, ranging from hikes to bike rides. Plus, European cruises will have a National Geographic photographer onboard to share photography tips.

“We are excited and proud to align ourselves with a brand as historic and well respected as National Geographic,” said Glen Moroney, chairman of Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours. “We believe Scenic’s dedication to providing guests with the most exceptional five-star, all-inclusive river cruise experience available is a perfect complement to the enriching and authentic experiences for which National Geographic Expeditions is known.”

The new line will offer numerous sailings in Europe on the Rhine, Danube, Main and Moselle Rivers. Destinations include Holland, Belgium, France’s Bordeaux region and Portugal’s Douro Valley, as well as on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar. Departures begin in 2018 and can be booked directly now through natgeoexpeditions.com/rivercruises or scenicusa.com/nat-geo.

“Our trips are designed to celebrate remarkable destinations, to foster genuine interactions with local cultures, and to promote a deeper understanding of the natural world,” said Nancy Schumacher, head of Travel and Tour Operations for National Geographic. “Bringing river cruises into our portfolio allows our travelers to reach spectacular parts of the world in a unique way. We are pleased to partner with Scenic, as they share our commitment to delivering outstanding experiences to guests.”