Transcend Cruises launches MS Connect, the first charter‑only river cruise ship

Transcend Cruises held a naming ceremony in Dordrecht, Netherlands, for MS Connect, the world’s first river cruise vessel built exclusively for charter and group travel. The ship, flying the Swiss flag and constructed by Den Breejen Shipyard, measures 135 m (442 ft) with four decks and can accommodate up to 120 guests in 60 flexible staterooms that can be reconfigured into 30 two‑room suites.

MS Connect features five versatile event spaces, high‑speed connectivity, advanced audiovisual systems and a 240 m² wellness area, targeting the meetings‑incentives‑conferences‑events (MICE) market. Its design incorporates circular‑economy principles, low‑emission propulsion, electric maneuvering and optimized fuel and water storage to reduce emissions and fuel use. Transcend plans to expand its fleet to four ships by 2028 and ultimately up to 12 vessels.