Transcend orders first purpose-built B2B river ship for MICE & affinity markets

Charter-only river cruise line Transcend Cruises has ordered its first purpose-built ship for groups, with delivery scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025, followed by a second new-build in 2026 (subject to additional financing).

Den Breejen Shipyard in the Netherlands will oversee the construction, according to a press release shared Tuesday (Aug. 6).

Transcend covers the affinity market, tour operators, travel advisors, and meeting and incentive planners with new options on the rivers of Europe, providing innovative alternatives to land-based conferences and events.

The ship design has been developed together with the leading luxury cruise and yacht design firm, Tillberg Design of Sweden to deliver a tailor-made luxurious guest experience.

“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.

Miami-based Transcend, which has a diverse team based in the United States, Europe and Canada, launched about five years ago.

As PAX previously reported, the company's aim is to expand today’s groups market beyond the traditional hotel model with a dedicated offer in the river cruise space.

Charters with Transcend have already started. The company, since 2023, has been using a ship once operated by Crystal Cruises. 

River cruises exclusively for groups

Transcend's 135-meter ships promise spaces and services designed exclusively for the group market with luxury in mind. The new ships are being built specifically for weddings, meetings, events, family reunions, incentive groups and more.

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 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 cutting-edge digital signage, custom lighting, sound, and imagery.

"Transcend Cruises brought us, a leader in European river cruise shipbuilding, a unique, detailed vision,” said Peter Burger, CEO of Den Breejen Shipyard. “Our partnership is a deep expression of both companies’ successes, and we look forward to launching these truly innovative vessels." 

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