Legendary Danube River Cruise

August 29 - September 5, 2026

Transcend Evolve
Passau, Austria to Budapest, Hungary


WELCOME ABOARD

Dear Friends,


I'm excited to announce that we’ve partnered once again with Transcend Cruises, and they’ve chartered a brand-new river ship, “The Gentleman,” for our 2025 summer cruise! This vessel is ideal for an exclusive LGBTQ+ sailing, and we’ve curated a unique itinerary. From Antwerp to Basel, we’ll explore five countries during the best time of year to cruise Europe’s rivers, starting with the excitement of Antwerp Pride weekend!

This voyage is a fantastic opportunity with so much included:

  • 7-Night Sailing Aboard The Gentleman
  • Premium Arrival & Departure Airport Transfers
  • All Shore Excursions
  • Gratuities to Expert Guides & Drivers
  • Gratuities to the Shipboard Crew
  • Unlimited Wi-Fi
  • Unlimited Premium Open Bar
  • Small Group Shore Excursions
  • Exceptional Entertainment, Themed Parties, and more…


You can also enjoy exclusive VIP Early Boarding in Brussels one night prior - August 7th for just $199 per person!

Prices start at just $2,999 per person, and and flexible monthly payment plans are also available to ensure this experience is accessible to everyone in our community.


We can’t wait to set sail with you!

Bon Voyage!


John Heath

Owner

Prague, Czech Republic

Passau, Germany

Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Salzburg/Linz, Austria

Majestic Imperator train

Sailing the Scenic Wachau Valley-Vienna Austria

Vienna, Austria

Budapest, Hungary

Prague, Czech Republic

Passau, Germany

Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Salzburg/Linz, Austria

Majestic Imperator train

Journey Highlights

Sail Four Incredible Countries!

  • The best value aboard a one-of-a-kind LGBTQ+ exclusive sailing, operated by Transcend Cruises and John Heath Travel.

  • Sail 7-nights from Passau, Germany to Budapest, Hungary aboard one of Europe’s newest river ships, The Transcend Evolve.

  • Performances by some of Europe’s top drag performers.
  • A dedicated team of LGBTQ+ Cruise Managers throughout your cruise.

  • Personal onboard LGBTQ+ Concierge Service to arrange independent exploration on your schedule or participate in our complimentary small group excursions.

  • Your shipboard family will deliver service from the heart in a comfortable, open, and accepting environment that will have you returning every year.

Itinerary

Antwerp, Belgium

DAY 1: Friday August 8, 2025 


Once you’ve cleared customs at the Brussels International Airport (BRU), you'll be greeted by a Transcend Cruises representative, transferred to Antwerp, and embark upon your floating hotel for the week, The Gentleman. Enjoy lunch onboard and spend the afternoon enjoying the myriad of activities planned during Antwerp Pride Weekend! Later this evening, join your fellow travelers for a memorable Welcome Reception and culinary experience onboard hosted by Chef Todd Erickson.


Note: Guests who select the VIP Early Boarding Promotion will board in Brussels on Thursday, August 7, 2025.


Ghent or Bruges, Belgium

DAY 2: Saturday August 9, 2025


On your second day in Belgium, visit either Bruges, the capital of West Flanders and a well-preserved medieval city, or vibrant Ghent, the capital of East Flanders. Ghent is lively, full of medieval architecture, and pedestrian-friendly. With your guide, stroll from the Church of Saint James to the Friday Market square, passing the Great Butchers’ Hall and elegant trading houses. Your tour ends at the Belfort bell tower. Enjoy a foodie tour and some free time to explore Ghent before returning to the ship.


Alternatively, take a scenic drive to Bruges, known as the "Venice of the North" for its UNESCO-designated center. Once a hub for the international cloth trade, Bruges boasts beautiful churches and mansions. Your local guide will lead you to the canal cruise terminal for a boat ride through its picturesque canals, flanked by swans and historic homes. After lunch on your own, enjoy incredible views from the Belfry Tower before returning to the ship.

Rotterdam or Amsterdam, The Netherlands

DAY 3: Sunday August 10, 2025


This morning, we arrive to Rotterdam. A thoroughly modern city —you’ll soon understand why it’s sometimes called “Manhattan on the Meuse”: The Maas Tower, the Montevideo, the Millennium Tower and the spectacular Erasmus Bridge make for a dazzling skyline. Begin your day by exploring this modern city on a Dutch culinary stroll, with a stop at the architectural milestone, Market Hall. Erected in 2014, it’s known for its futuristic look and unique Dutch and global culinary offerings. Later, head to Kinderdijk to discover why windmills are such an iconic symbol of Holland; marvel at their engineering and learn about their role in changing the course of Dutch history.


Alternatively, guests may opt to spend the day in Amsterdam. The Netherlands’ largest city is celebrating its 750th anniversary in 2025. This morning, start your day like a local with our expert guide on the IC Direct high-speed train for a 40-minute ride to Amsterdam’s city center. Following, we enjoy a art-historian-led tour of the Van Gough Museum before heading off on a lively Foodie and Beer Tour of Amsterdam, which has grown to be one of Europe’s top culinary destinations. This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure, enjoying everything the city has to offer before returning to the ship via high-speed train for dinner and a lively sailaway party from Rotterdam.


Dusseldorf, Germany

DAY 4: Monday August 11, 2025


Enjoy a scenic sail this morning, enjoying everything your floating hotel offers. Enjoy a cooking class with Chef Todd Erickson, or opt for our Bloody Mary Bar set-up on the sun deck this morning as you enjoy the passing scenery. We arrive at Dusseldorf after a beautiful lunch outdoors (weather permitting) on our Sun Deck. A city that inspires diversity and is built close to the water: The Rhine metropolis of Düsseldorf awaits you with modern architecture around the Medienhafen. Dusseldorf’s historic city center is also known as “the longest bar in the world”. In over 300 pubs, the freshly tapped Altbier brings a wide variety of people together. We join our city tour by walking the luxury boulevards such as the “Kö” and strolling through the green parks and the beautiful Rhine promenade. Guest may join a lively pub tour of Dusseldorf or head off with our shipboard Wellness Expert for an e-bike panoramic tour of the city! Tonight, enjoy an incredible drag performance and dance the night away with DJ Matt Consola.

Scenic Sailing The Rhine River

DAY 5: Tuesday August 12, 2025


Sailing the Rhine River today is to experience quintessential Germany at its best: a picture-postcard landscape. This magical river quietly winds across Central Germany’s vast plains and lush valleys. This morning, choose to join a lively guest cooking competition with Chef Todd Erickson and our crew as the judges! Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing massage or simply soak up some sun on the top deck. This afternoon, enjoy our Tea Dance on deck with DJ Matt Consola and a very special guest!

Mannheim & Heidelberg, Germany

DAY 6: Wednesday August 13, 2025


Today, we dock at Mannheim and join a short coach ride to Heidelberg, sometimes called the most romantic city in Germany. It is home to the nation’s oldest university, a charming baroque Old Town along the banks of the Neckar River, and stunning castle ruins overlooking the town. Your tour will take you to the castle, with its views of the red-tile roofs of the city below, the handsome Old Bridge and the wooded hillsides beyond, and then into Old Town, where you will see the late-Gothic Holy Spirit Church, the Student Prison and the longest pedestrian street in Germany.

Strasbourg, France

DAY 7: Thursday August 14, 2025


Upon arrival in Strasbourg, which has been controlled over the centuries by either France or Germany, the city—cross-cultural and bilingual—offers a delightful combination of old and new and French and German characteristics.



Set off for the pier in downtown Strasbourg, where you will board a panoramic boat that will take you to the famous district of Petite France. Its canals, charming houses with colored, half-timbered walls, and narrow alleyways will enchant you. You will glide past the Tanners Quarter, the Covered Bridges (Ponts Couverts), and the Panoramic Terrace on the Vauban Dam. Our cruise will continue through the German Quarter. Following the French defeat in 1870, Germany planned to make Strasbourg the capital of the Reichsland or Imperial Territory of Alsace-Lorraine. This district referred to as the “new town”, represented a new form of urban planning, featuring wide roads, monumental administrative and cultural buildings, and luxurious private homes. Landscaping also played a crucial role in this impressive urban planning scheme. Then, you will get to see the European Parliament Building, completed in 1999, which was designed to host monthly sessions of the European Parliament. The architecture of the building is based on a combination of circles and ellipses, with the building laid out and organized into several identified areas. Finally, you’ll discover the Human Rights Building, which is where the European Court of Human Rights is located.

Basel, Switzerland

DAY 8: Friday August 15, 2025


Following breakfast, we bid you farewell and provide airport transportation to Basel(BSL) or the Zurich(ZRH) International Airport with memories of a remarkable cruise.

Transcend evolve

The Ship

Enters Service: Spring 2026

Decks: 3

Ship Specifications

442 ft Long

38 ft Wide


Guest Capacity
Staterooms: 60

Guest Capacity: 120

Crew
54 Crew Members

This new ship will debut in the second quarter of 2026, Evolve is a brand-new, state-of-the-art European river ship. With cutting-edge technology, luxurious amenities and wrap-around picture windows. The ship features an outdoor facing spa, sauna and relaxation lounge. Amazing culinary offerings,

Discover Refined Comfort

Stateroom Features

  • Infinity balcony or window
  • Mini refrigerator (fully stocked/replenished daily:
    water, soft drinks, spirits, wine, juices)
  • 40-Inch flat-screen televisions with satellite
  • Daily housekeeping & turndown service
  • Queen-sized bed (convertible to two twin beds)
  • Welcome bottle of champagne
  • Premium bath amenities (rituals)

Deck Plans

Deck Plans

BE OUR VIP AND BOARD A DAY EARLY!

ARRIVE ONE NIGHT PRIOR ABOARD THE GENTLEMAN FOR JUST $199 PER PERSON!

Thursday August 7, 2025

You have the unique opportunity to board The Gentleman as our VIP one day prior for just $199 per person. Enjoy a private arrival transfer to the ship, dinner onboard, and overnight accommodation to allow you to rest and recharge before we arrive in Antwerp and enjoy the kick-off of their annual Pride Celebration festivities.

Pricing

Staterooms

Category Location Size Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Suites
A Deck 3 MID/FWD 210 Sq Ft $4,999 $6,699 $8,999
B DECK 2 MID/FWD 210 Sq Ft $4,599 $6,399 $8,299
C DECK 3 AFT 210 Sq Ft $4,299 $5,999 $7,799
D DECK 2 AFT 210 Sq Ft $3,999 $5,599 $7,199

Taxes/port fees of $399 per person are additional ($699 for Suites).

Prices are per person based on double occupancy, except the Single Occupancy price is the stateroom price for one guest.

Click to view the booking Terms & Conditions and Cancellation Policy

Suites

Category Location Size Double Occupancy
A Deck 3 MID/FWD 420 Sq Ft $8,999
B DECK 2 MID/FWD 420 Sq Ft $8,299
C DECK 3 AFT 420 Sq Ft $7,799
D DECK 2 AFT 420 Sq Ft $7,199

Taxes/port fees of $699 per person are additional.

The double occupancy price listed is per person based on double occupancy.

Click to view the booking Terms & Conditions and Cancellation Policy

All Included!

Pre-Cruise Extension
Optional Two Night Prague Pre-Cruise

(Thursday, August 27 to Saturday, August 29, 2026)

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Prague, Czech Republic

    After clearing customs, you’ll be greeted by a John Heath Travel representative and enjoy a complimentary transfer to the Mandarin Oriental Prague, your home for the next three days during your summertime adventure.


    Upon arrival at the hotel, enjoy lunch on your own and explore Prague’s Old Town, which is within walking distance of the hotel. This evening, join us for our Welcome Reception in Monastique Bar & Lounge for a cocktail and an opportunity to mix and mingle with your fellow travelers.

  • Day 2: Prague, Czech Republic

    After breakfast, begin a magical tour of the city of Prague. Prague enjoyed a golden age in the 14th century, under the rule of Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, and many of the buildings in the UNESCO-designated city core date to that era.


    Prague Castle dates back even earlier. Construction on the oldest parts of the complex began in the 9th century. A drive across the Vltava River (you might know the Vltava as the Moldau, the namesake of the beautiful tone poem by beloved Czech composer Bedřich Smetana) brings you to the sprawling complex of towers, halls, cathedrals, courtyards, and houses, where kings, emperors, and presidents have had their offices for almost a millennium. Step down from the motorcoach and walk inside the castle's protective walls, taking in the Gothic structure of St. Vitus Cathedral, which took 600 years to build, and Vladislav Hall, whose intricate stone-vaulting system was one of the most advanced engineering feats of the late Middle Ages.


    After visiting St. Vitus Cathedral and the Old Royal Palace, you can choose between re-boarding the motorcoach for a ride back to the hotel or continuing your guided walk through the picturesque Lesser Quarter to Charles Bridge, one of the city's most famous landmarks. The walking tour will end in Old Town Square, which is surrounded by majestic buildings, including the Church of Our Lady before Týn and Prague's City Hall, which boasts a famous medieval astronomical clock.

    This evening enjoy a Friday night out on the town independently with yoru fellow travelers enjoying the incredible dining and nightlife the city has to offer.


  • Day 3: Prague, Czech Republic/Passau, Germany

    Use the morning to do any last-minute shopping or go for one last stroll through this beautiful city.  After lunch on your own, it's time for your exciting river cruise adventure to begin! We will take the three-hour journey this afternoon by coach, to join the Transcend Evolve in Passau prior to setting sail this evening. 


What's Included

  • Two nights accommodations at The Mandarin Oriental Prague, a 5- star property located within walking distance of Prague’s historic old town.
  • Breakfast daily
  • All service charges, porterage, and taxes
  • Welcome cocktail reception with special entertainment
  • All Transportation:
  • Arrival Transfer: Prague Airport to hotel
  • All ground transportation during the included touring
  • Departure Transfer: Hotel to the all-new Transcend Evolve 
  • Prague Old Town & Castle District Excursion
  • All gratuities to drivers and guides 
  • Expert LGBTQIA+ Tour Manager 


Book by Friday, August 15th and Receive our Prague Optional Pre-Cruise Extension Program


$799 Per Person! ($1500 value)

When you book by August 15th


Add John Heath Travel’s Prague Optional Pre-Cruise Extension Program to your Flex Pay plan from just $45 per month!


All rooms include:

  • More than 344 square feet of living space
  • Free high-speed WiFi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee machine
  • Complimentary pillow menu
  • Premium bath amenities