Transcend Cruises, a new charter-only river cruise operator, achieved a significant milestone this week with the completion of the latest phase in hull construction for its first purpose-built vessel, designed specifically for the B2B group market.
With the keel laying ceremony, held at Den Breejen Shipyard in Orsova Romania, started the vessel’s physical construction/block assembly as the company prepares to introduce its inaugural ship to the group market in 2026.
During the ceremony, Transcend’s leadership and key stakeholders offered remarks and viewed the hull, while, in accordance with maritime tradition, executives from both Transcend and the shipyard ceremonially placed a newly minted coin on the vessel. The custom-designed coin, intended to commemorate the first ship in the purpose-built fleet that will navigate European rivers for group and private event markets, features an image of the vessel alongside the phrases “Group Travel. Redefined” and “Building the Future” on one side, with the company’s emblem and the date of the keel laying - February 4th, 2025 - on the other. Following the formal proceedings, attendees toured the shipyard and received an overview of the forthcoming construction stages at the Orsova facility.
This summer, the vessel is slated to progress up the Danube, where it will complete its interior construction at Den Breejen’s shipyard in the Netherlands. Subsequently, the executive team of Transcend Cruises is scheduled to travel to Hoganas (Sweden) to consult with the leadership at Tillberg Design on finalizing the vessel’s interior design.
Transcend Cruises is currently accepting charter bookings for 2026 and beyond, although the company has noted that availability is becoming limited for the launch year.