---

November 2, 2023

Realizing your ideal cruise, customizing every detail such as a ship, an itinerary, menus, and entertainment, might seem unattainable. What Transcend Cruises offers in the realm of river cruises is truly unique and opens up numerous charter possibilities.

The company has designed the construction of two new ships specifically tailored to meet the needs of corporate groups, event organizers, and travel agents. Set to launch in 2025, they will be structurally innovative. These ships will be the only ones to have a genuine onboard auditorium/theater, perfect for conferences and presentations, as well as a spacious restaurant that can double as a large meeting room or an ideal venue for banquets and celebrations.

Before their new ships are in operation, Transcend Cruises‘ concept has already materialized aboard the Transcend Advance, a former Crystal ship that is currently hosting successful cruises on the major European rivers through a biennial charter.

We had the opportunity to board the ship for a cruise along the Rhine and the Moselle, two magnificent rivers that flow through Germany, allowing us to get up close with the product and explore the stunning landscapes of these German regions.

Transcend Advance is an extraordinarily beautiful and elegant ship, distinctively different from the standards of many river cruise companies operating in Europe. Attention to detail, good taste, and impeccable cleanliness are just a few of the factors that stand out from the moment you step aboard Transcend Cruises‘ vessel. The discreet and comfortable spaces are furnished with light tones, velvets, and wood, creating an atmosphere of comfort and relaxation. The Lounge features an extensive glass ceiling section, providing ample natural light and the opportunity to admire the scenery during navigation. The Bistro, located before the entrance to the Lounge, is equally bright and open throughout the day, perfect for a quick snack, off-hours breakfast, or an evening treat.

The decks are connected by a spiral staircase at the center of which stands a crystal elevator. The entrance to the small atrium with reception is on Deck 2, dedicated to the restaurant area in the bow. Buffet service is provided for breakfast and lunch, while à la carte dining is offered for dinner. The dining environment is elegant, with sophisticated and welcoming table settings.

Deck 1 features a spacious Guest Laundry, equipped with two washing machines, a dryer, and an ironing board available for all guests to use free of charge. Nearby, you’ll find the small but well-equipped gym illuminated by two small portholes, allowing you to enjoy the view outside while working out. A room for massages offers a variety of treatments that can be booked at very reasonable prices.

 

Transcend Advance‘s Sun Deck is simply extraordinary. Forward, a gangway leads to an observation area situated above the wheelhouse, passing through the two glassed sections that make up the Lounge’s ceiling. In the front part of the ship, there are seating areas for conversations or enjoying the landscape with low tables. In the middle of the ship, an impressive bar emerges when the ship is docked or when there are no low bridges ahead. It’s like a mobile bar, rising from Deck 3 and disappearing when it’s necessary to lower all the Sun Deck equipment. In front of the bar, a shaded area is furnished with tables, chairs, comfortable sofas, and armchairs. It’s a very elegant space, constantly attended to by the attentive onboard staff.

Toward the stern, the Sun Deck hosts a series of sun loungers, comfortably set up with beach towels and comfy mattresses, all impeccably arranged and clean. A staircase at the stern leads to the indoor pool area, a true luxury on board a river cruise ship. Accessible from the corridor of the Deck 3 suites, this area also has loungers for relaxation and offers an equally elegant and refined environment that provides splendid views of the stern.

The ship’s flagship is undoubtedly the suites. They are larger than the industry average, extremely bright due to the large windows that automatically open to reveal a magnificent river view. The suites also feature a spacious walk-in closet, an espresso machine, a minibar, and a bathroom with a shower that even the largest cruise ships would envy.

Beyond the ship’s beauty, which impresses from boarding until disembarkation, what has impressed us the most is the astonishing quality of the service. Every crew member is highly professional, attentive, dedicated to anticipating the guests’ every need. They achieve this without being intrusive or overly rigid, creating a consistently cordial atmosphere. This element also extends to the suite cleaning, which is meticulous and precise, as well as the responsiveness at the reception desk. The exceptional level of service is even more evident in the realm of dining. The cuisine is extraordinary, showcasing the quality of raw materials, the generous budget allocated for ingredient procurement, an extensive selection of dishes, both from the buffet and à la carte. The chef and the entire kitchen staff demonstrate their professionalism and skills in every dish, even the seemingly simplest ones. Every taste will astound you, concealing something excellent and extraordinary. This is all served by capable, attentive waitstaff, always ready and available, capable of making every meal a small luxury experience.

On board, all types of beverages and meals are included, including premium alcoholic drinks and the well-stocked minibar in the suites. Internet connection is free and consistently efficient, available in all areas of the ship.

These Transcend Cruises features will naturally be preserved on the new fleet, ensuring an extra luxury level of service and unparalleled customer focus. The structure of the new ships will enhance certain opportunities and services, as they are specifically designed to accommodate groups and events.

Therefore, these units can be chartered for short or extended periods, allowing you to customize the ship in detail and personalize it as your own. Ideal for incentive cruises for companies, as well as for tour operators looking to offer custom-designed cruises to their clients. Additionally, they are suitable for private events such as weddings or special celebrations, which Transcend Cruises has already successfully hosted during this first year of operation.

In collaboration with Transcend Cruises‘ professionals, it will be possible to select charter dates, confirm the desired itinerary, and evaluate various ship personalization options. From branding elements (logos, signage, onboard equipment) to menu selections, entertainment, and conferences, everything can be customized and planned. Even onshore experiences, such as excursions, visits to castles, farms, and wineries, tastings, and more, can be independently organized or in partnership with the company.

The ships will be able to accommodate up to approximately 110 people in double occupancy, with at least 3 service cabins that can be made available for escorts and staff. Regardless of the number of guests on board, ship chartering involves fixed costs, enabling companies that charter to manage cost distribution or room organization among various suites.

Transcend Cruises already impressed us a few months ago when we learned about the product’s philosophy and saw some renderings of the ships under construction. Experiencing the service in person has truly convinced us of the potential of this company. They will be able to offer an exclusive, high-quality product with unprecedented flexibility and customization. This is a novelty that was lacking in the cruise industry, where charters are certainly possible but rarely offer this level of personalization and service. Transcend Cruises exclusively targets the B2B market, relying on experienced tourism industry professionals or companies looking to create unique events that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on their guests.

If we have to find a single “fault” with this venture, it’s that individual cruisers will not have the opportunity to board and experience all of this. We hope that some reputable tour operators can organize itineraries for their best customers!

Don’t miss further information, tips, and reviews of Transcend Cruises on Cruising Journal, complete with photos, videos, and special cruise offers.

Gabriele Bassi

Comments