beyond cruise shipCharter-only global river cruise line has begun construction on its first state-of-the-art cruise ship purpose-built for the B2B group market. The as-yet-unnamed ship will sail on the Rhine in the 2026 season.
With the steel cutting ceremony taking place on December 5, 2024, Transcend begins a rapid construction program that will take place at the Den Breejen shipyard in Hardinxveld-Giessendam, the Netherlands, with the hull currently being built in Orsova, Romania.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of major companies and partners, including CEO Hans Rood beyond cruise shipDen Breejen shipyard CCO Wouter Henstra and Helena Sawelin, partner and design/sustainability director at Tillberg Design in Sweden. It represents a major step forward in the development of the company and its dedicated river vessel fleet.
Groups only: Airworthiness Facilities
Transcend Cruises’ 443-foot (135-meter) ship will offer customized spaces and services designed specifically for the group market, promising to redefine the luxury group experience.
The ships will feature five separate venues accommodating all 120 guests, including The Forum, an iconic two-level amphitheater for leadership presentations, presentations led by destination experts, music There will be various group activities such as performances. The ‘studio’ site was purpose-built for the clients and is located on deck one, adjacent to their dedicated office space and three staff cabins. With 1,500 square feet of open, configurable space and full audio-visual capabilities, the venue can accommodate meetings of any size and format.
Up to 120 guests will be accommodated in identical oversized cabins that can be converted into suites in pairs, giving charter customers the flexibility to accommodate 30 to 120 attendees.
Transcend vessels will be equipped with the latest sustainable hardware on European rivers, as Transcend adopts a circular materials approach in both exterior and interior construction and design. Transcend’s ships will also feature state-of-the-art hybrid propulsion systems and Stage 5 low-emission engines.
“With the steel cut, we are pleased to enter this exciting phase of construction,” CEO Hans Ruder said in a media announcement. “We benefit greatly from our service to the charter market Advanced Master Over the past 18 months, our philosophy has been fully aligned with new build objectives across all sectors of the Group’s markets, including MICE, tour operators, private events, direct companies, affinity groups and leisure and corporate agencies. We have strong booking demand from markets around the world including the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania. ”
Transcend is currently taking charter bookings for 2026 and beyond, although they confirm space becomes limited in the launch year.
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