Transcend Cruises inks newbuild contract with Den Breejen Shipyard (updated)

The 120-passenger vessel is scheduled for delivery in fourth quarter 2025, with a second vessel planned in 2026, subject to additional financing.

Transcend gives the affinity market, tour operators, travel advisors and meeting and incentive planners a new option on Europe's rivers. The vessel's unique design was developed with Tillberg Design of Sweden to deliver a customizable experience for groups.

Toasting the order, from left, Dolfinance's Hugo Modderman, Den Breejen CEO Peter Burger; Matthew Shollar, founder and chief visionary officer, Transcend Cruises; Transcend's CEO Hans Rood, GM Carmen Mladenovic and Chief Revenue Officer Kimberly Daley, Den Breejen's owner Illona Kamsteeg, Engineering Manager William Verdijk and Controller Tim Voohout and Transcend CFO Andy McKey

'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 game-changer for these market segments,' said Hans Rood, CEO of Transcend Cruises.

Revolutionary spaces and services for groups

The standard 135-meter ships will offer revolutionary spaces and services designed for the group market. The 60 identical staterooms convert in pairs to suites, allowing the charterer to flex the offering for between 30 to 120 attendees. As a B2B focused platform, Transcend vessels will also be outfitted with a wide range of technologies that empower charter clients to amplify their brands through such elements as cutting-edge digital signage, custom lighting, sound and imagery.

'Transcend Cruises brought us, a leader in European river cruise shipbuilding, a unique, detailed vision,' said Peter Burger, CEO of Den Breejen Shipyard. 'Our partnership is a deep expression of both companies’ successes, and we look forward to launching these truly innovative vessels.'

Environmental features include stage-five, low-emission engines, an electric thruster system for emissions-free last mile maneuvering, food waste minimization technology and local sourcing.

Transcend Cruises principals, from left, CFO Andy McKey, founder Matthew Shollar, Chief Revenue Officer Kimberly Daley and CEO Hans Rood

Advance by Transcend

Transcend Cruises launched at Seatrade Cruise Global in 2022 and has been operating with a vessel chartered from Riverside Luxury Cruises, Crystal Mahler, under the name Advance by Transcend.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will be taking over that charter in 2025, with the vessel to be called Super Ship Elizabeth.

2025/26 season plans

Update: As a result, Advance by Transcend will end service at the end of 2024. There will be a gap before the newbuild arrives, however Transcend is working with some clients on other vessels during the 2025 season, a spokesperson told Seatrade Cruise News. 

The new vessel is expected to operate in Q4 2025 over the holiday period and continuing through Q1 2026, offering corporate and trade show boutique hotel and event services before the main river cruise season begins.