DORDRECHT — Transcend Cruises’ brand new ship, MS Connect, is now sailing from Dordrecht to Zaandam, Netherlands, fresh off its official naming ceremony and welcome into service.
MS Connect is the world’s first river cruise ship developed exclusively for the charter and group market. It’s a milestone Transcend had been eagerly anticipating.
“With MS Connect, we are completely redefining river cruising for groups. Every detail of this ship has been purpose-built for meetings, incentives, conferences and exclusive events. Our goal was to create a flexible, premium and sustainable platform that meets the needs of today’s event organizers while delivering experiences that simply cannot be replicated on land,” said Gregg Marston, CEO, Transcend Cruises.
Transcend Cruisesʻ Chief Visionary Officer Matthew Shollar
The ship is 135 meters (442 feet) in length, with four decks and accommodation for up to 120 guests in 60 flexible staterooms. The staterooms can be converted into 30 two-room suites, giving event organizers maximum flexibility when designing their programs.
MS Connect also features five event spaces suitable for large conferences, smaller meetings, workshops and networking events, plus the latest AV technology, reliable high-speed connectivity and extensive digital branding capabilities.
The ship is also setting new standards in sustainability, says the company. MS Connect was developed using a circular design approach and incorporates the latest low-emission technology available on Europe’s waterways. Electric last-mile maneuvering, peak-power battery systems in place of conventional generators, and optimized fuel and water storage systems significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The vessel’s reduced draft also provides greater operational flexibility, including during periods of low water.
Jackie Coulson, VP, Trade & Event Sales, Transcend Cruises
The culinary experience includes a range of options, including fine dining, family-style service or regional culinary concepts. F&B and service can be tailored to the requirements of each group. There’s also a 240-square-metre wellness and fitness area, which Transcend says is one of the largest of its kind on any European river cruise ship.
By 2028 Transcend’s fleet is expected to grow to four vessels. In addition to MS Connect, three more ships – MS Evolve, MS Create and MS Engage – will join the European market. In the long term, the company plans to operate a fleet of up to 12 river cruise ships purpose-built for the charter market. Like MS Connect, they will sail on Europe’s major waterways, including the Rhine, Danube, Moselle, Main, Rhine-Main-Danube Canal, and Dutch and Belgian waterways.
Lead image caption: Members of Transcend Cruises’ executive team at the naming ceremony in Dordrecht Netherlands included Hans Rood (far left), Gregg Marston (second from left), Andy McKey (third from right) and Kimberly Daley (far right) (all photos courtesy Michiel Ton)
