By
Laura Hyde |
River cruise charter firm Transcend Cruises has commissioned Den Breejen Shipyard in the Netherlands to construct a 135-metre newbuild river cruise ship, scheduled for delivery in late 2025. Subject to additional financing, a second vessel will follow in 2026.
The first new ship has been developed with Tillberg Design of Sweden to provide a “tailor-made luxurious guest experience”, according to Transcend Cruises. It will be available for charter by tour operators, travel advisors, and meeting and incentive planners. With 60 identical staterooms that convert in pairs to suites, the ship can be configured to accommodate between 30 to 120 guests.
“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,” said Hans Rood, CEO of Transcend Cruises. “This is truly a gamechanger for these market segments.”
The ship will also be outfitted with a wide range of technologies to enable clients to amplify their brands for their guests, through elements such as digital signage and custom lighting, sound and imagery.
Sustainability will be embedded into elements of the ship build, onboard experiences, product inclusions and eco-inspired design, including stage-five, low-emission engines and an electric thruster system for emissions-free last mile manoeuvring, as well as food waste minimisation technology. Staff for the ships will be recruited locally.
“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.”
Executives from Transcend Cruises and Den Breejen Shipyard celebrate the agreement