TORONTO — Transcend Cruises’ 135-metre ships offer customized spaces and services designed exclusively for the group market, sailing Europe’s waterways.

Appropriately enough, travel professionals and media heard all about the it onboard the Odyssey last night in Toronto, for a Lake Ontario harbour cruise.

The evening was highlighted by presentations, networking and great food, including everything from Belgian waffles and a chocolate fountain, to German sauerkraut with pretzels. The four-course culinary journey was inspired by Europe’s top destinations, with wines paired to ports of call.

Transcend Cruises is the global charter-only river cruise company, operating since 2023, and excited about its first purpose-built ship, Transcend Connect, scheduled to set sail this summer.

Transcend Cruises execs shared updates on the charter-only river cruise company during a Toronto harbour cruise (all event photos courtesy Michelle Zimmer)

The ships are geared to corporate groups, meetings and incentive markets, and are also ideal for private consumer events such as weddings, milestone celebrations and more.

Forget rigid contracts, fixed itineraries and limited group space in traditional cruise lines, said Transcend execs at last night’s event.

The all-charter cruise line is all about flexibility, quick proposal turnaround and a focus on the client’s specific needs. Transcend also aims to provide a unique, immersive experience “without competing with retail pricing, ensuring agents can offer exclusive, high-value packages to their clients.”

Earlier this spring Transcend announced its construction agreement with Den Breejen Shipyard for two additional new-build ships, bringing its growing fleet to four vessels by 2028.

Delivery of Create is slated for October 2027, and Engage is scheduled to be delivered in Q1, 2028. Transcend has plans for a fleet of up to 12 river ships.

A scale model (in LEGO!) of Transcend Cruises ships, with each attendee receiving their own Transcend Cruises LEGO kit

“It is an extremely exciting time for Transcend as we get closer to bringing the first ever river cruise ship built exclusively for the group market into service this summer,” said Hans Rood, Chief Development Officer, Transcend Cruises.

Rood said the new ships follow the same design concept as Transcend’s first two vessels, Connect and Evolve. Connect is currently finalizing construction at Den Breejen Shipyard.

More information about Transcend Cruises is at TranscendCruises.com.