Transcend launches fleet exclusively for the groups market
Transcend Cruises is preparing to fly solo in the world of river cruising with an innovative business plan that doesn’t cater to those wanting to travel alone or as couples.
The Miami-based company will begin operation this summer as the world’s first charter-only luxury river cruise company, plying such European waterways as the Danube, Rhine, and Moselle waterways.
“We focused on what our clients actually want,’ said company founder Matthew Shollar while describing company offerings to a recent gathering of Toronto travel agents.
Shollar said Transcend is the first river cruise experience designed exclusively for groups and doesn’t have “fixed formats” or “shared schedules,” instead enables clients to choose where they go.
“You don’t adapt to the itinerary,” he continued. “The itinerary adapts to you.”
The rivers chosen by Transcend have proven popular in the growing river cruising industry in recent years but those who book with other river cruising companies are bound by fixed itineraries, while Transcend says it will offer “radical customization.”
Transcend itineraries will be immersive. As itineraries are completely customizable, the charter clients can choose whatever shore excursions and activities they wish, with Transcend saying the possibilities are endless and include visiting castles, vineyards, even those that might not normally be open to the public.
Nighttime activities are also completely up to the charterer, who can choose activities onboard or onshore. There is a lounge with a baby grand piano and piano player/singer, but charters can bring their own entertainers onboard if they choose or can plan entertainment/evening activities onshore. The ships are also equipped with large screens, including one on the top deck, where movies under the stars can be shown.
Sailings on the four-deck vessels will provide a “celebration of European culture,” Shollar continued.
The company’s first vessel is the Connect, which will be launched in August as the first river cruise ship built exclusively for the group market. It will be followed by Evolve, which is expected to begin sailing in May of next year.
Transcend has signed an agreement for two additional new-build ships, which will bring its fleet to four vessels by 2028.
“It is an extremely exciting time for Transcend as we get closer to bringing the first ever river cruise ship built exclusively for the group market into service this summer,” added Hans Rood, chief development officer, Transcend Cruises. “On the heels of this exciting milestone comes the introduction of our second ship and the steel cutting of our third, soon to be followed by our fourth vessel. This speaks to the strong demand we’ve seen from the group market for Transcend’s concept and the exceptional bookings we’ve received for sailings on our first ship, Connect, in 2026 and beyond.”
Transcend has contracted with Tillberg Design of Sweden, a luxury cruise and yacht interior design firm behind the first two Transcend ships, to craft an identical custom design for both Create and Engage. Like their sister ships, Create and Engage will offer fully customized itineraries on the Rhine and Danube rivers in Europe, tailored to each charter client’s program.
Among the most distinctive features are 60 identical staterooms that are fully convertible to true two-room suites, each providing a full living room, bedroom and two baths. Staterooms convert in pairs, allowing the charterer to flex the guest offering for between 30 and 120 attendees. Transcend carries up to 60 percent fewer guests than retail-focused European river cruise lines, with one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios.
The vessels boast venues like the “Forum,” a two-story amphitheatre and the “Studio” on the first deck that can accommodate meetings of any size and format.
As a B2B-focused platform, Transcend Cruises ships are outfitted with brand-amplification technologies for clients, including cutting-edge digital signage, custom lighting, sound, and imagery.
Transcend Cruises ships also boast a 2,600-square-foot indoor/outdoor fitness, spa and guest wellness facility – the largest and most comprehensive of any river cruising vessel. The customized food and beverage program is rooted in European culinary and wine excellence with three chef-driven dining venues and multiple beverage experience spaces.
