Transcend Cruises: revolution in the B2B market
At the Seatrade Cruise Global event in Miami, Transcend Cruises, a company specializing exclusively in charter-based river cruises, announced the long-awaited names of its first next-generation ships designed for the group-focused B2B market. The two vessels, Transcend Connect and Transcend Evolve, will enter service in 2026, in April and during the second quarter of the year, respectively.
The two ships, each 135 meters long, are being built by the Den Breejen Shipyard and designed by Tillberg Design of Sweden. They have been conceived to offer spaces and services tailored for group travel, redefining the collective luxury experience.
They will feature five exclusive areas able to accommodate up to 120 guests. Among them, a highlight is The Forum, a two-level amphitheater designed for events such as conferences, concerts, presentations, and virtual shows.
Transcend Connect_Rendering
Another innovative area is The Studio, located on the lower deck next to a dedicated office and three crew cabins. This fully configurable space, equipped with advanced audiovisual technology, allows for meetings of any format thanks to its 120 square meters of space.
The cabins, all spacious and identical in size, can be transformed into double suites, ensuring maximum flexibility for groups ranging from 30 to 120 guests.
When choosing the ship names, Transcend Cruises places the focus on group and charter clients, allowing them to personalize the journey with their own branding. The ships are equipped with customizable interior and exterior digital displays, ambient lighting, and onboard materials that can be adapted to the client’s identity.
The Forum_Transcend Cruises
The Studio_Transcend Cruises
According to Matthew Shollar, Chief Visionary Officer of Transcend Cruises, the names chosen reflect the company’s mission in the B2B sector. He explained that Transcend Connect represents the company’s ability to create a unique river product and an ideal setting for strengthening group connections, while Transcend Evolve symbolizes the transformative experience guests can have onboard.
Shollar also emphasized that the selected names express the value customers gain from collaborating with Transcend, an element that will continue to be developed as the fleet expands.
The naming process involved over 100 internal proposals, tested with clients and key partners in the group travel market. Kimberly Daley, Chief Revenue Officer of Transcend Cruises, stated that Connect and Evolve are action-driven names, chosen to reflect the flexibility and personalization that are the pillars of the company’s offering.
Mattew Shollar_Founder
Kimberly Daley_Chief Revenue Officer
Daley expressed great enthusiasm in officially presenting them at the Seatrade event, adding that construction of the first vessel is already underway and progressing successfully.
Transcend Cruises has already begun accepting charter bookings starting in 2026, with limited availability for the launch year. With the announcement of the fleet’s first two names, Transcend Cruises marks a significant step in transforming the tailored river cruise market, offering highly customizable and luxurious experiences for groups.
Don’t miss more information, updates, and news about the new ships by Transcend Cruises on our website Cruising Journal.
