Transcend Cruises on Aug. 3 held a naming ceremony for its first ship, the Transcend Connect, in Dordrecht, Netherlands.
The moment marked the official launch of the river cruise line, which specializes in charters and groups.
Former Dutch minister of education, culture and science Marja van Bijsterveldt served as godmother at the ceremony. She had previously served as the special cabinet envoy for the maritime manufacturing industry in the Netherlands.
After the event, the 120-guest Connect sailed an inaugural voyage to Zaandam.
The Connect is 442 feet long with four decks and 60 staterooms. Event organizers have the option of combining staterooms to create two-room suites.
The ship has five event spaces, envisioned to support conferences, networking events, workshops or meetings. Dining onboard can also be tailored to the needs of the event.
Transcend plans to introduce three more ships by 2028: the Evolve, the Create and the Engage.