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A Preview of Transcend Advance, the Charter-only River Cruise Ship  

Transcend Advance Rhine River cruise

Ship Report by Kelly Battles, CTC, Global Sales Manager, United Kingdom & Europe

Great news for MICE and group travel planners: Transcend Cruises has finally introduced its new “charter-only” river cruise concept! I was excited to receive an invitation to experience Transcend Advance during an exclusive preview cruise sailing October 2 – 4. I joined several European and UK-based HelmsBriscoe associates onboard the 110-passenger ship in Cologne, Germany, to begin our two-night Rhine River cruise, calling at Koblenz and Bonn.

Transcend Cruises’ Groundbreaking Concept


Two purpose-built luxury Transcend Cruises river ships are currently under construction (the first will launch in 2025). In the meantime, Transcend has chartered a former Crystal 5-star river vessel to sail on the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Renamed Transcend Advance, this ship introduces the cruise company’s bold new concept while meeting the demand for a charter-only river cruise product.

Kelly Battles (front left) with guests onboard Transcend Advance
Kelly Battles (front left) with preview cruise guests onboard Transcend Advance

Here’s why MICE and group travel planners will love Transcend Advance:

  • Available solely to private groups as a full-ship-charter (full-ship buyout)
  • Flexible cruise length – choose the duration that fits from 2 nights +
  • Customize your Rhine River itinerary – choose the embarkation port and ports of call
  • Choose your inclusions to build a custom program (shore experiences tailored to your group’s interests, open bar or drinks with meals, menus, entertainment, etc.)
Transcend Advance Deck Lounge

The Transcend Advance Onboard Experience


Advance has 55 spacious suites with panoramic windows that slide down to create a balcony effect. The rooms are spacious and feature yummy, comfortable beds. The good-sized bathrooms have double vanities.

Transcend Advance suites feature panoramic windows
Onboard service in all areas – staterooms, dining, bar, etc.- was outstanding and felt like luxury. It was also evident that the officers, crew, and staff are attuned to the group and MICE market and the unique needs that often arise when working with a single entity.
Transcend Advance Deck
The food on board the Advance was excellent, with genuinely premium offerings. During our cruise, breakfast and lunch were available as buffets with eggs to order at breakfast and tasty vegetarian options. Our dinners were exquisite, the food delicious, and the service top-notch!
Transcend Advance staff
Overall, I was impressed by Transcend Cruises’ unique charter-only concept and the Advance river cruise vessel. I have no doubt this will be a most successful MICE river cruise product, and I can’t wait to bring our first charter group on board!

Learn more about Transcend Advance

Request a quote, call us at +1 786-594-0732, or email inquiry@landrykling.com.

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