Transcend Cruises, a new charter-only river-cruise line designed for the group market, will set sail in August. Originally scheduled to debut in spring 2024, the company moved up its launch date due to high demand. The company's own vessels won't be built until 2025, so Transcend will use an existing ship that it has contracted from Riverside Luxury Cruises. The 110-guest Transcend Advance will operate on the Rhine and Moselle rivers in Europe, with wider deployments through December 2024.
"We are pleased to advance our customer's needs by previewing key components of Transcend Cruises with the Advance for the latter half of the 2023 season and all of 2024. This opportunity means we are able to utilize a well-regarded, innovative luxury vessel, and operate it with Transcend's uniquely flexible, charter-focused, custom-designed programming and tailored food-and-beverage programs," said Matthew Shollar, Transcend's founder and chief visionary officer. "Retail river-cruise demand is at an all-time high, the charter customer has fewer options, and we are happy to deliver a new solution."
The company will launch two vessels in 2025 that will sail on the Rhine and Danube rivers. Both ships will feature 60 rooms, accommodating up to 120 guests, which can be converted into 30 two-bath suites.
Itineraries for cruises are completely customizable, with event organizers able to choose the dates and lengths of port stops for each sailing. Other amenities, such as individual spa services, spirits packages and shore excursions, also are optional. The ships are equipped with technology for digital displays, lighting, sound, imagery and hybrid meetings.
Onboard event spaces include the forum, the restaurant, the lounge, the studio and the top deck. The forum is a two-story venue with tiered seating and a full suite of A/V support; the restaurant is the main dining space, but it also can host meals or cooking demonstrations. With flexible seating, a dance floor and a digital ceiling, the lounge can host large programs or be divided for smaller groups. The 1,500-square-foot studio accommodates exhibits, yoga classes and more, while the top deck hosts outdoor events.
Transcend's ships will be outfitted with a fitness center, as well as a spa with a sauna, a relaxation lounge and private treatment rooms.
The cruise line claims to be the only 100 percent low-emissions, new-build fleet in Europe. The ships will operate with last-mile electric maneuvering, peak power battery systems instead of generators, and reimagined fuel and water storage systems that reduce emissions.
