Construction begins on Transcend Cruises’ first new river ship

   December 15, 2024 ,   Cruise Industry

The new travel brand Transcend Cruises, a UK-based shipowner, has commenced construction of its first branded riverboat, marking a significant milestone for the charter-only cruise operator.

The steel-cutting ceremony, held at the Dutch shipbuilding company Den Breejen Shipyard in Hardinxveld-Giessendam (Netherlands) signals the start of a project aimed at delivering a vessel tailored exclusively for the B2B group charter market.

The ship’s hull is being fabricated in Orsova (Romania).

Scheduled to debut on the Rhine RIver in 2026-Q2, the 135-meter boat will be the first purpose-built addition to the Transcend's fleet, which has been serving the charter market for over a year with the MS Advance (Riverside Mahler/SS Elisabeth).

Representatives from Transcend Cruises and key partners attended the steel-cutting event, including CEO Hans Rood, Wouter Henstra, CCO of Den Breejen Shipyard, and Helena Sawelin, Partner & Design/Sustainability Director of Tillberg Design of Sweden.

Rood noted that the new vessel represents a strategic step forward in the development of Transcend Cruises, emphasizing its focus on creating customized experiences for the group market. Designed specifically for charter clients, the vessel features flexible layouts and tailored spaces to accommodate diverse needs.

The boat will have 5 dedicated venues, such as The Forum (a 2-story amphitheater designed for group events - presentations, performances, leadership talks) and The Studio (a multi-purpose venue adjacent to a dedicated office and staff quarters). This 1500-ft2 (~140 m2) space will offer configurable layouts and comprehensive audio-video support for group meetings and workshops.

Accommodation will consist of 120 staterooms (convertible into suite pairs) providing flexibility for groups ranging from 30 to 120 attendees.

With these features, the modern riverboat aims to redefine the luxury charter experience, meeting the specific demands of the B2B group travel market.