TORONTO — Transcend Cruises, the first global charter-only river cruise company, has signed a construction contract for its initial new-build river cruise ship.

Set for delivery in Q4 of 2025, the new ship – built by Den Breejen Shipyard – will be followed by a second new-built in 2026, subject to additional financing. Both 135-metre ships will offer spaces and services designed exclusively for the group market, with 120-guest capacity in 60 identical staterooms that convert in pairs to suites. 

Transcend covers the affinity market, tour operators, travel advisors and meeting and incentive planners with innovative alternatives to land-based conferences and events on the rivers of Europe. As a B2B-focused platform, its ships will be outfitted with a wide range of technologies that allow charter clients to amplify their brands for their guests, through cutting edge digital signage, custom lighting, sound and imagery.

“These sectors of the industry are hungry for something new, viable and cost-effective that delivers a level of service they would expect from a five-star hotel on land. This is truly a gamechanger for these market segments,” said Hans Rood, CEO of Transcend Cruises.

Sustainability is a key pillar of Transcend’s culture and strategy, embedded in elements of the ship build, onboard experiences, product inclusions and eco-inspired design. These include stage-five, low-emission engines, an electric thruster system for emissions-free, last-mile maneuvering, food waste minimization technology, and staffing and sourcing locally.

For more information go to https://www.transcend.cruises/.