Transcend Cruises has ordered two additional purpose-built luxury river cruise ships with Den Breejen Shipyard, expanding Transcend’s fleet to four vessels under construction in the Netherlands. The contract was signed during a Dutch maritime trade mission event attended by Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands in Miami last month.
The event, part of the Royal Working Visit to the United States, brought together leading Dutch maritime companies to showcase innovation, strengthen international partnerships, and reinforce the Netherlands’ position as a global leader in shipbuilding and export. Transcend and Den Breejen were selected to participate in the programme, highlighting their partnership as an example of continued growth and collaboration within the Dutch maritime sector.
The event was part of a multi-day economic mission for Their Majesties, focusing on economic ties, climate resilience, and culture.
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New category of river cruising
‘This was an important moment to represent the strength of our partnership and the broader Dutch maritime industry,’ says Hans Rood, Chief Development Officer of Transcend Cruises. ‘We are building a new category of river cruising and doing so with Dutch partners who bring deep expertise in engineering, design, and execution.’
Purpose-built throughout, Transcend’s fleet is designed exclusively for the global group market offering a level of flexibility and functionality not found in traditional river cruise models. The continued expansion reflects growing demand for customisable, high-quality group travel experiences.
Deliveries in 2027 and 2028
Transcend’s two new ships, Create and Engage, will be constructed at Den Breejen Shipyard in Hardinxveld-Giessendam, the Netherlands. Delivery of Create is slated for October 2027 and Engage is scheduled to be delivered in Q1, 2028.
In addition to construction, the vessels reflect a broader commitment to Dutch expertise. Key elements of the ships’ outfitting and onboard experience are being developed in collaboration with Dutch companies which further reinforces the Netherlands’ role across the full value chain of modern shipbuilding.
Picture: The contract was signed during a Dutch maritime trade mission event attended by Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands in Miami last month (photo by Transcend Cruises).
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