INTERIOR VIEW Anna Silvesjö of Viken Group explains to Alex Smith how Transcend Cruises’ newest vessel has been designed with adaptability in mind Transcend Connect Transcend Connect, the first of four newbuild river cruise ships ordered by Transcend Cruises, will start up its first operations in summer 2026 with a full slate of charters across many industry sectors, including MICE and leisure, with a long-term charter with Lindblad Expeditions. Developed as a platform for meetings, incentives, events and private charters, the vessel offers flexibility, spatial efficiency and a contemporary, residential design language. Tillberg Design of Sweden (TDoS), part of Viken Group, was responsible for establishing Transcend Connect’s overarching design. “We developed the underlying design manifesto with the client, and thereafter were responsible for the master planning, the exterior design and the interior design concept for the Transcend river vessel platform,” says Anna Silvesjö, Group CEO of Viken Group. TDoS worked on both accommodation and public areas, developing convertible staterooms and suite configurations, alongside a range of social and functional spaces such as the main lounge, lobby and reception areas. Wellness and fitness are also integrated into the layout, with dedicated spa, gym and yoga areas. All Transcend Connect’s onboard venues have been developed with adaptability in mind. For example, The Restaurant, the primary dining venue onboard Transcend Connect, can be transformed from a two-person table configuration to large banquet tables. The Aft Lounge, usually designed as a bar and relaxation space, may also be transformed into an alternate restaurant, while two private dining rooms can double as 12-seat meeting spaces. The Studio, meanwhile, offers over 1,300 square feet of flexible space equipped with audiovisual systems and furnishings, allowing it to transition from a trade show floor to a children’s activity centre or a yoga studio. “The overarching vision of Transcend was to create the first truly yachtinspired, purpose-built river vessel for the group travel market,” says Silvesjö. “Flexibility and smart layouts were central to the design. The ship needed to move between stateroom and Lounges can be converted to host events or become dining spaces 70
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