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TDoS reveals the design of Transcend Cruises' river cruise ship

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 29 July 2026 29 July 2026

The cruise ship design expert TDoS (Tillberg Design of Sweden), part of the Viken Group, has unveiled its latest project: a 135-metre yacht-inspired river cruise ship designed for Transcend Cruises, which is set to challenge all preconceptions of a river cruise ship.

Representing the first-ever purpose-built, yacht-inspired platform of its kind, TDoS worked closely with Transcend Cruises to translate their high ambitions for flexibility, adaptability and a premium guest experience into reality, whilst still being able to flex their creative muscles.

As Anna Silvesjö, Chief Executive Officer at Viken Group, explains: “We weren’t simply designing beautiful interiors – we were helping define an entirely new product category.”

Able to accommodate up to 120 guests, the platform is specifically created for meetings, private charters and high-end group travel. On board, guests are taken care of by 54 crew, one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios of any river cruise ship. The ship has 60 generous staterooms, with guest accommodations predominantly found on two cabin decks. Thanks to the highly flexible layout, the 60 staterooms can also be connected in pairs to create up to 30 luxurious two-room suites if required.

Endless leisure opportunities

Designed with sophisticated enjoyment and relaxation in mind, the river cruise ship is packed full of leisure spaces, including a top deck equipped with its own lounge, grill, outdoor cinema, walking path, and yoga area.

The social heart of the vessel can be found in the Forum, a two-storey amphitheatre-style space, which is capable of hosting presentations, performances, celebrations, destination briefings and informal gatherings. This perfectly illustrates how architecture, technology and operations work together on board to create highly adaptable guest experiences.

Other standout areas include the main lounge, aft lounge, barista bar, library, numerous private salons, chef’s table, wine vault and grill. For guests prioritising wellness, the river cruise ship also delivers in spades, with wellness areas including a spa, fitness studio, yoga space and sauna complete with river views.

Natural and durable materials

The material palette used by TDoS for the river cruise ship’s design takes its inspiration from contemporary yacht design and high-end residential hospitality, rather than from traditional cruise ships. The result is an environment that feels sophisticated, welcoming and remarkably adaptable, without ever losing its identity and practicality.

Natural timbers, textured stones, soft fabrics, warm metals and carefully layered finishes create a calm and sophisticated atmosphere throughout the vessel, with TDoS deliberately avoiding any materials that feel overly decorative or overly formal.

In addition, the material selection was also driven by durability, ease of maintenance and long-term performance. Every finish needed to withstand intensive operation while aging gracefully over time.

Equally important to the design for the studio was considering how the materials would interact with natural daylight. Large windows bring the surrounding landscape into the interiors, and the warm, tactile palette creates a subtle backdrop that allows the river itself to become part of the guest experience.

A boutique hotel on the river

Viken Group CEO Anna Silvesjö explains more: “Our ambition was to create an environment that immediately feels welcoming, spacious and connected to its surroundings. Rather than creating the feeling of being inside a ship, we wanted guests to feel as though they were moving through a contemporary boutique hotel or private yacht that just happens to travel along Europe's rivers.”

She continues: “This was achieved through generous sightlines, layered lighting, carefully choreographed transitions between spaces and a strong visual connection to the outside environment. The residential character of the interiors helps guests relax, while integrated technology subtly adapts each space to the needs of different events and charter programmes.”

Openness and flexibility

With river vessels presenting very different design challenges to those posed by the ocean-going cruise ships and yachts usually designed by TDoS, the studio was faced with physical dimensions which were significantly more constrained, meaning that every square metre had to work exceptionally hard.

Despite this, TDoS has expertly created a sense of openness on board. Through careful master planning, double-height spaces, generous glazing, visual connections between venues and well-considered circulation, the ship feels considerably more spacious than guests might expect.

Furthermore, another key design challenge was flexibility. Unlike a conventional cruise ship where venues generally serve one primary purpose, the new Transcend Connect by TDoS needed to support a constantly changing programme. Restaurants become event venues, lounges host presentations, private dining rooms transform into meeting spaces, and accommodations can be reconfigured between staterooms and suites.

This required close collaboration between design, operations and technology from the earliest planning stages. The result is a vessel where flexibility is built into the architecture itself rather than being added afterwards.

“From the start, Transcend was a concept never before attempted in river cruise space. We sought a design partner who could design and deliver a ship completely different from anything else on the rivers today, and we found that partner in Tillberg,” said Kimberly Daley, Chief Operating Officer, Transcend Cruises. “They took our primary brand pillar of customization and flexibility and brought it to life in a design concept that is stunningly beautiful and flexible to meet today’s varying needs of group and charter clients from around the world.”

Sustainable at the core

Capable of reaching service speeds of 14 knots, the ship is powered by low-emission EU Stage V engines. It also comes equipped with an electric thruster system for emission-free close-in manoeuvring, alongside battery support for peak shaving.

Other sustainability initiatives on board include food-waste minimisation technology, local sourcing and the use of sustainable onboard products. “Sustainability was a requirement from day one, not an afterthought,” adds Daley. “Our clients expect it, and this vessel delivers it in how it is powered, provisioned and operated.”

“Everything simply works”

As Silvesjö puts it, the ultimate sign of success for TDoS is designing ships where guests feel completely at home and relaxed on board, without being conscious of all the design details and effort behind it.

“For us, luxury is not defined by excess. It comes from how effortlessly a space works and how comfortable it feels. When guests experience the ship, we don't necessarily want them to notice the complexity. We want them to feel that everything simply works naturally around them. The greatest compliment is when guests simply experience beautiful spaces, without realising how many different ways those spaces can operate.”

The Forum

Aft lounge

Suite

Explora Journeys takes delivery of Explora III

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 23 July 2026 23 July 2026

Explora Journeys today celebrated the delivery of Explora III at Fincantieri's Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa. The vessel is the third ship built by Fincantieri, a global leader in complex shipbuilding, for Explora Journeys, MSC Group's luxury ocean travel brand, which continues to redefine industry standards and enjoys growing success.

Held in the presence of national, regional and local authorities, the ceremony marked an important milestone in the development of the Explora Journeys fleet, which has now reached the halfway point of its planned growth. With the delivery of Explora III, three of the six vessels planned for the fleet are now in service, while the remaining three are all under construction and will enter service within the next two years – Explora IV and Explora V in 2027, followed by Explora VI in 2028 – completing the fleet programme entrusted to Fincantieri.

Among those attending the event were the President of the Liguria Region, Marco Bucci, the Mayor of Genoa, Silvia Salis, Admiral Inspector Antonio Ranieri, Maritime Director for Liguria and Commander of the Port of Genoa, the President of the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority, Matteo Paroli.

Guests were welcomed by Biagio Mazzotta, Chairman of Fincantieri; Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fincantieri; Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of the Merchant Ships Division; Massimo Canesin, Director of Genova Sestri Shipyard; together with Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group's Cruise Division; Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys; Maya Aponte, Godmother of the vessel; and other senior executives from Fincantieri and MSC Group.

Marco Bucci, President of the Liguria Region, stated:"Explora III is a symbol of a Liguria that continues to grow, invest, and strengthen its role as a leading player in the blue economy. The delivery of this ship confirms the value of the expertise, professionalism, and industrial capabilities of our region, which looks to Italy and the world with confidence, as well as the trust that companies such as MSC and Fincantieri continue to place in Liguria. We are investing hundreds of millions of euros in the Sestri Ponente shipyard because we want to make it one of the most advanced shipbuilding hubs in the Mediterranean, further reinforcing Liguria’s leadership in a strategic sector for economic growth and employment."

Silvia Salis, Mayor of Genoa, commented: "Genoa lives through its port; it is part of its DNA. That is why today we are not only celebrating the delivery of a ship, but also the work and expertise of the people who made it possible. Explora III brings to the seas the industrial capabilities of Fincantieri, the Ligurian supply chain, and the Sestri Ponente shipyard. The Municipality is ready to play its part to ensure that sustainable industrial development does not remain merely a principle but becomes a practice capable of creating jobs and delivering lasting benefits for the local area, while serving as an example both in Italy and abroad. Since taking office, we have been working with Fincantieri to enhance a facility that is strategic not only for Genoa but also to ensure that its development provides tangible benefits for Sestri Ponente and the entire city. This district has faced significant challenges and now has the right to see industrial growth translated into spaces, services, and opportunities that improve the quality of life of the community. We strongly believe in maritime professions and are opening a school dedicated to this sector. Having the major players of the industry by our side is essential to providing stable, high-quality employment opportunities, the kind that many young people are seeking and that, as Mayor, I feel responsible for helping to create."

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Group's Cruise Division, said: “The delivery of Explora III marks another important milestone in the realisation of our vision for Explora Journeys. In just three years, we have established a distinctive new perspective on ocean travel.

I have always believed that the finest real estate in the world is found at sea. No hotel on land can offer the same ever-changing views, the same sense of arrival, or the privilege of waking each morning in a different destination. Combined with the generous space, privacy and comfort of Explora Journeys, our all-inclusive approach and highly personalised service, it delivers exceptional value in both time and money.

With every new ship, we expand our ability to take guests beyond the familiar through more immersive experiences in destinations around the world. Explora III reflects our commitment to innovation, craftsmanship and responsible growth, while supporting the wider economic benefits that cruise tourism brings to destinations and coastal communities.”

Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fincantieri, said: “Explora III demonstrates Fincantieri's ability to drive the transformation of shipbuilding through innovation, sustainability and the adoption of new technologies and alternative fuels. The introduction of the first LNG-powered vessel into the fleet marks an important milestone in this journey and reflects our commitment to developing increasingly advanced and sustainable solutions. The construction of these ships demonstrates the value of an industrial ecosystem that brings together large companies, SMEs and local communities. The Sestri Ponente shipyard, together with the wider Ligurian supply chain, represents a unique concentration of expertise and skills that enables the creation of increasingly advanced vessels capable of showcasing the very best of Made in Italy excellence around the world.”

Built to the highest standards, the Explora Journey vessels represent the very best of Made in Italy excellence and serve as ambassadors of Italian craftsmanship around the world. Advanced environmental technologies have been incorporated throughout the fleet. All vessels are equipped with shore power connectivity, enabling engines to be switched off and reducing emissions to virtually zero while in port.

Explora III is the first vessel in the fleet – together with the ships to follow in the series – to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), a fuel capable of reducing sulphur oxide emissions by 99%, nitrogen oxide emissions by 85%, particulate matter emissions by 98% and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20% compared with conventional marine fuels. The vessels are also capable of operating on renewable and next-generation fuels, including bio-LNG, synthetic LNG and biofuels. Explora V and Explora VI will additionally feature fuel cells, an innovative technology capable of generating energy more efficiently and supporting the industry's pathway towards net-zero emissions, ahead of the industry’s 2050 target.

Designed and built under supervision of RINA Classification Society, Explora III has received a number of additional notations recognising its environmental performance and passenger comfort. These include the "Green Plus" notation for high environmental standards and the "Comfort Noise and Vibration" notation for low onboard noise and vibration levels. The vessel has also received the "Dolphin" notation, recognising efforts to minimise underwater radiated noise in environmentally sensitive marine areas, as well as Polar Code C certification, enabling operations in polar regions.

Liguria plays a central role in Fincantieri's industrial ecosystem and represents one of the leading hubs of Italian shipbuilding. Around 800 suppliers operate within the Group's supply chain across the region, alongside its more than 3,600 employees, generating significant economic benefits throughout the wider value chain. In this context, the Sestri Ponente shipyard, dedicated to cruise ship construction, represents a centre of excellence for Italian shipbuilding. Since 2003, it has delivered 18 vessels and currently has an orderbook extending through to 2037. The Explora Journeys fleet programme reflects both the excellence of Made in Italy and the ability of the Ligurian maritime cluster to develop advanced technological solutions for the future of the cruise industry.

Carnival and Fincantieri cut steel for the next-generation Carnival Destiny

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 10 July 2026 10 July 2026

Sparks flew today in Monfalcone, Italy, as Carnival Cruise Line marked a major milestone with the traditional steel-cutting ceremony for its newest ship, 230,000-gross-ton Carnival Destiny – arriving in summer 2029 as the first of three vessels in its next-generation of ships, officially named Ace Class. Held at the Fincantieri shipyard, the event revealed the ship’s name and showcased a 3D hologram offering a first look at the future of Carnival cruising.

Carnival’s partnership with Fincantieri – a global leader in shipbuilding – dates back more than 30 years to the original Carnival Destiny, which ushered in a new era as the world’s largest cruise ship at the time. Today, that legacy continues with a class designed to redefine the guest experience.

Carnival Destiny will introduce a new way of experiencing the ocean from the ship, becoming the most outward-facing megaship at sea. It will feature an unprecedented number of ocean-view balcony cabins, a reimagined lanai deck and more than 4.5 acres of glass – including expansive, multi-story glass walls – all of which will open-up sightlines across the vessel. Together, these elements will create ocean views from more places on board, bringing the ocean into constant view and redefining how guests connect with the sea.

Carnival Destiny will also deliver a bold evolution in how guests engage on board. More than 70 percent of its venues and attractions will be entirely new concepts for Carnival, spanning reimagined dining, next-generation bars and lounges, immersive entertainment and vibrant outdoor spaces.

“Carnival Destiny builds on a legacy that changed cruising once before, reimagining what guests can experience at sea,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “With this ship, we’re elevating the guest experience again creating a ship that feels more expansive, while helping guests feel more connected and ultimately have more fun.”

Carnival Destiny will sail to destinations in the Paradise Collection by Carnival, the largest portfolio of exclusive destinations in the Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexico in the cruise industry. Additional details on Carnival Destiny’s features and experiences will be released later this year with delivery of the ship scheduled for Summer 2029. Two additional Ace Class ships are planned for 2031 and 2033.