Transcend Cruises, which describes itself as the first global charter-only river cruise company, has announced that its first purpose-built B2B river cruise ship will be hitting the rivers of Europe in Q4 of 2025, followed by a second newbuild in 2026.
Transcend offers meeting and incentive planners “elevated new options on the rivers of Europe,” according to their release. With the uniquely designed ships providing “innovative alternatives to land-based conferences and events.”
“These sectors of the industry are hungry for something new, viable and cost effective that delivers a level of service they would expect from a five-star hotel on land. This is truly a gamechanger for these market segments,” said Hans Rood, CEO of Transcend Cruises, in a press release statement.
Transcend Cruises’ 135-meter ships (443 ft.) will offer spaces and services designed exclusively for the group market. Up to 120 guests will be accommodated in 60 identical spacious staterooms that convert in pairs to suites, allowing the charterer to flex the offering for between 30 to 120 attendees. As a B2B-focused platform, Transcend Cruises ships will also be outfitted with a wide range of technologies that empower charter clients to amplify their brands for their guests, through experiential elements such as digital signage, custom lighting, sound and imagery.
Sustainability is a key pillar of the company’s culture and strategy, embedded in elements of the ship build, onboard experiences, product inclusions and eco-inspired design such as stage-five, low-emission engines; an electric thruster system for emissions-free last mile maneuvering; food waste minimization technology; and staffing and sourcing locally.
For more information, visit transcend.cruises.
