Transcend Cruises: Re-imagining Group Travel

How Europe’s first charter‑only river cruise line is re-shaping incentive travel and what it means for event professionals looking for a new way to incentivise clients.

Meet the brand behind this initiative this October at inVOYAGE Masters

There’s something quietly powerful about being on the water. Time slows. Conversations deepen. Smaller moments seem all the more enjoyable. Now imagine that same experience but with your own privatized yacht, surrounded by your closest set of colleagues - the sun rising over the Rhine from your own private balcony, breakfast served on board by your own private chef and a week of excursions and high-end entertainment.

That’s the idea behind Transcend Cruises - a river cruise designed entirely for private charter. No other guests, no fixed itineraries. Just built with one goal in mind: to give incentive groups and corporate teams the time, space, and freedom to connect with purpose.

One day might start with sunrise yoga on the wellness deck, followed by strategy sessions in the two-tier onboard forum. Another might see your group cycling through a quiet riverside town, with dinner waiting back on board in a private dining room, hosted by a Michelin-trained chef. It’s a rhythm you set and entirely customizable.

As Transcend Cruises’ co-founder Matthew Shollar puts it, “We’re not just creating an itinerary - we’re creating an environment that unlocks connection.” For incentive and event planners, isn’t that what matters most?

The Philosophy

Your brand, your agenda.

“We don’t sell any cabins to individual tourists,” says co-founder Matthew Shollar. “One hundred percent of our clients are charter clients.” That clarity of purpose sets Transcend apart - and gives event planners a level of control that goes beyond scripting sessions: from where the ship docks, to the rhythm of your breakout time, to the branding and messaging throughout.

Their ships, debuting on Europe’s most iconic waterways like the Rhine, Danube and Moselle, host up to 120 attendees in oversized cabins (convertible into suites), five dedicated venues including a two‑level Forum theatre, and one of the largest wellness floors ever seen on a river cruise. As CEO Hans Rood puts it: “We are truly a game‑changer for MICE and group clients.”  

What to Know Before Booking:

• Full itinerary control

  Skip busy ports, choose local hidden gems, or build round-trip journeys around your meeting schedule. 

• True exclusivity

  60 oversized staterooms, convertible to 30 suites - maximum 120 guests at half the typical passenger count, and top-tier staff ratios. 

• Seamless branding & tech

  All AV, digital signage, lighting, and meeting toolkits are included. Your reception desk, logo-led lobby and onboard office help bring your brand to life onboard. 

• Flexible culinary & wellness options

  Menus, dining formats, spa access—they’re all curated for your group’s needs and worth planning early. 

From the moment you step aboard, everything is curated for your group and your goals. With private, full-ship charters, Transcend gives incentive planners total control over the itinerary, programming, onboard design, and brand experience.

Want to host a leadership summit with breakouts on the Danube? A product launch cruising past UNESCO World Heritage vineyards? Or simply reward top performers with unforgettable luxury? It’s all possible - and more seamless than you might think.

Throughout the day, your guests might explore medieval towns with private guides, sample local wines at exclusive estates, or cycle riverside trails - all arranged to fit your group’s interests. Back on board, the flexible ship layout transforms to suit each moment: think wellness sessions in the morning, collaborative workshops after lunch, and a sunset cocktail reception on the sundeck, with the region’s finest cuisine served just steps away.

This is what Transcend Cruises does best: delivering high-touch, purpose-built experiences that elevate your brand and leave a lasting impression on your people.

Meet Transcend Cruises at
inVOYAGE Masters

Transcend Cruises will be joining us this October at inVOYAGE Masters. This is your chance to meet their charter specialists, discuss custom vessel use, and preview the exclusive experience they bring. Explore how flexible river travel can elevate your programmes in 2025 and beyond.

If you’re planning incentive travel, executive retreats, or creative group experiences on water, this is one conversation you can’t miss.