Transcend Cruises reveals names of first two ships

Transcend Cruises, a charter-only river cruise company, has announced the names of their first purpose-built river vessels for the B2B group market, entering into service in 2026.

Transcend connect will launch that April and Transcend evolve, which will enter service later in Q2.

Transcend Cruises’ 135-meter ships, built by Den Breejen Shipyard and designed by Tillberg Design of Sweden, will offer customized spaces and services created exclusively for the group market which will redefine the luxury group experience. 

The vessels will boast five separate venues that can accommodate all 120 guests, including “The Forum,” a signature two-story amphitheater ideal for group programs such as expert-led presentations, concerts, demonstrations or virtual performances. 

The “Studio” venue is built specifically for the client, located on Deck One next to their dedicated office space and three staff cabins. The venue can accommodate meetings of any size and format with 1,300 square feet of open, configurable space as well as full A/V capabilities. 

Up to 120 guests will be accommodated in identical, oversized staterooms that convert in pairs to suites, allowing the charterer to flex the offering for between 30 to 120 attendees. 

Since its inception, Transcend has put the focus specifically on the group market and the charter client. 

The client’s brand can transform the experience, being showcased across the numerous digital screens located on the interior and exterior of the ship, the ambient lighting, the onboard documents and the itinerary itself.

“The names we’ve selected truly reflect Transcend’s B2B ethos,” said Matthew Shollar, chief visionary officer of Transcend Cruises in a release. “At our core is our ability to create a unique river cruise product and venue that is specifically conducive to connecting a group on the spectacular waterways of Europe, hence the name Transcend connect. We also intend for our clients’ guests to have positive, transformative group experiences onboard our vessels and thereby, the name Transcend evolve. Our names underscore the benefits that the client gets in working with Transcend, and this is something we’ll continue as we grow our fleet.”

Transcend is currently accepting charter bookings for 2026 and beyond "although space is becoming limited in the launch year,' the company says. 

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