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Cologne Bear Pride & Rhine River Christmas Markets
All-Gay & Bears Cruise
7 days from Cologne to Frankfurt, Germany
December 01 – 07, 2024
Advance by Transcend Cruises
 Visit Cologne Bear Pride & Idyllic Villages Along the Rhine River During the Holiday Season! Uncover the hidden gems of the Rhine River valley during an incredibly heartwarming and festive time of year. Sailing among the idyllic villages of this region, we’ll enjoy freshly baked holiday cookies and other delectable treats as we walk among charming shops featuring iconic handmade nutcrackers and crystal ornaments to adorn your holiday trees at home for years to come. Experience special nighttime walks through quaint villages with friends with surprises around every corner.
Rhine River Gay Cruise Highlights
• Exclusive and rare opportunity to meet with U.S. Air Force LGBTQ+ soldiers at Ramstein Air Force while the ship is docked in Mannheim, Germany. Enjoy a panel conversation with the soldiers on their experience in the military at Ramstein, followed by a festive holiday reception.
• Specially curated shipboard entertainment, including performances from Envy Peru, winner of Ru Paul's Drag Race Holland, Nikita Vegaz and Metamorkid, Drag Race Germany contestants.
• Personal onboard LGBTQ+ Concierge Service to arrange independent exploration on your schedule, or participate in our complimentary small group excursions.
• Incredible two-night optional pre-cruise program featuring exclusive VIP access to events in conjunction with Cologne's Bear Pride weekend.
• Chef Todd Erickson, renowned TV personality, winner of Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay, and LGBTQ+ advocate will curate theme dinners, lead hands-on culinary classes, and host guest culinary competitions.
• More space to relax and enjoy the stunning holiday atmosphere onboard Advance by Transcend, with just 55 staterooms and suites. Our staterooms and suites are some of the largest on the rivers of Europe.
• Your shipboard family will deliver service from the heart in a comfortable, open, and accepting environment that will have you returning every year.
Rhine River Gay Cruise Featured Guests
Chef Todd Erickson
Entrepreneur and proud LGBTQ+ advocate Chef Todd Erickson is renowned for his culinary excellence and innovative flavors. Charismatic and dashing, Erickson has garnered numerous accolades, including a victory on Food Network Channel’s "Beat Bobby Flay".
Get ready to be captivated as Chef Todd brings his culinary prowess to the Advance by Transcend Cruises. He will curate diverse themed dinners, conduct engaging hands-on culinary classes, and host thrilling interactive guest culinary competitions. There’s a delightful experience for everyone to enjoy!
Envy Peru
After two months of competing in the Dutch version of RuPaul’s Drag Race and winning four challenges, Envy Peru has made history as the first ever crowned contestant of Drag Race Holland, as well as the first Peruvian queen in the franchise to emerge supreme.
As reigning Queen, Envy Peru has not only achieved fame and publicity in the Netherlands but also worldwide; Drag Race Holland was broadcasted online and subtitled in four different languages.
Based in Amsterdam, Envy is known for her sweet personality, professional work, amazing performances, fashion style and make-up looks.
Nikita Vegaz
Reigning from Berlin, Nikita Vegaz has earned her standing as one of Germany’s most successful queens. Residing in Berlin, she is known for performing extraordinarily successful and entertaining shows throughout Europe. Reaching the pinnacle of drag, Nikita appeared on Drag Race Germany in 2023. There, she won the hearts of fans worldwide, proving that drag is more than just appearance; it’s a powerful expression of the soul.
Metamorkid
Metamorkid is a standout contestant from RuPaul’s Drag Race Germany, known for its transformative and avant-garde drag aesthetic. With a background in fashion design and performance art, Metamorkid brings a unique blend of creativity and innovation to the stage. Their looks often push the boundaries of traditional drag, incorporating elements of high fashion, surrealism, and theatricality. Metamorkid’s journey on Drag Race Germany has been marked by bold fashion choices, intricate makeup, and compelling performances that captivate both judges and audiences alike.
Rhine River Gay Cruise Inclusions
• Accommodation in one of five luxurious categories of your choice aboard the five-star Advance by Transcend Cruises.
• Specially curated menus, including (6) breakfasts, (7) lunches, and (6) dinners
• On board "Advance Experiences", including culinary and cocktail mixology classes
• Free-flow coffee, water, teas, juices, and soft drinks
• Free-flow premium beers, wines, and spirits
• Welcome & farewell cocktail receptions
• Unlimited Wi-Fi
• Shipboard staff, expert guide, and driver gratuities
• Enhanced shipboard entertainment
• LGBTQ+ Cruise Managers and local expert Tour Guides
• Team of Gay Cruises Program Ambassadors
• Shore excursions
• Entrance fees to all sites, museums, and attractions
• QuietVox listening devices on all excursions
• Roundtrip airport transfers
• Complimentary fitness and wellness spaces, including the spa, pool, and fitness center
• Complimentary use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
Welcome Aboard!
As the world grows smaller, finding genuinely authentic experiences to share with others becomes more and more difficult. Hans Rood founded Transcend Cruises based on uncovering these special moments from a local perspective for you, our very valued guests. Our shipboard crew serves you daily from the heart while onboard, providing quiet luxury that is always inclusive – but never intrusive. With just 55 incredibly spacious staterooms and suites, we offer a stunning floating boutique hotel experience that is unmatched.
Every moment of this sailing will undoubtedly convince you to return again and again. The scenery will be unforgettable, and we hope to show you how amazingly warm-hearted and fun-filled our Rhine River cruise will be. We promise you will come home with experiences and everlasting memories of our journey like no other. So grab that lightweight jacket and enjoy what we consider the most enjoyable time of year to visit Europe!
The Forum
A dramatic two-story presentation theater, the forum features
tiered seating and unobstructed views for all guests. It has a full
suite of AV support to enable live events, video content, hybrid
meetings, or even a movie night.
The Restaurant
The restaurant is the primary venue for dining. This space features
river-facing windows, dual wine rooms and configurable elements
to create the perfect setting for meals and events. With
unimpeded visibility, a hosted event or demonstration can be
enjoyed by all guests.
The Lounge
The lounge is the space to “see and be seen.” Boasting flexible
seating configurations, AV support, and a dance floor with a digital
ceiling, the Lounge can host all guests for a large program or be
divided to provide zones for smaller groups.
Top Deck
The outdoor top deck includes fitness zones, an outdoor cinema,
lounge area, and outdoor grill and bar. Ideal for a casual dinner,
cocktail reception or lively dance party, a top deck event will be a
highlight of the voyage. A 144-inch, self-raising super resolution AV
system facilitates deck movies or a silent disco, even in bright
sunlight.
The Studio
Offering a full suite of AV support and furnishings, the Studio is a
perfect location for group activities. It can be a trade show floor,
kid’s activity center or yoga studio – whatever suits the client’s
needs. The Studio is located next to the dedicated charterer office,
storage and the charterer staff cabins.
Culinary
Menus, seating, and service options are tailored specifically to the client’s event. Choice is built into
Transcend’s entire culinary offering with galleys built to innovate, offering varied services like family-style
or à la carte dining in multiple locations. Up to four curated beverage locations are available including the
library café, main deck lounge, and aft lounge. Transcend works with exceptional suppliers to secure locally
and responsibly sourced ingredients. Beverage options are vast, curated by in-house mixologists, and
available across the dining areas at the guest’s desire. Transcend’s culinary experience is one that flexes
with the client’s needs, working from an array of inclusions to customize as the journey’s planning unfolds.
Wellness
For Transcend Cruises, wellness is more than a space or a piece of equipment. Each vessel features an extensive array of well-being spaces:
• Well-being zone spanning over 2,600 square feet on three levels
• Outdoor-facing spa, sauna, relaxation lounge and two private treatment rooms
• Fitness center with Technogym equipment: cardio, strength and functional areas
• On-demand wellness studio; virtual yoga and fitness classes in staterooms
• Upper deck wellness area: yoga deck, rock garden and barefoot walking path
• Workshop-based yoga and fitness facility for live classes and programming
• Additional in-room stretching / toning equipment in suites
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Cologne Bear Pride
Rhine River Gay & Bears Cruise
Itinerary
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Date |
Port |
Arrive |
Depart |
| 01 Dec |
Cologne, Germany |
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PM |
| 02 Dec |
Koblenz, Germany |
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| 03 Dec |
Lorelei-Rhine Gorge / Rüdesheim, Germany |
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| 04 Dec |
Mannheim / Heidelberg / Ramstein, Germany |
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| 05 Dec |
Wiesbaden, Germany |
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| 06 Dec |
Frankfurt, Germany |
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| 07 Dec |
Frankfurt, Germany |
AM |
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Day 1 - Cologne, Germany
Germany’s most visited landmark – the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral – dominates the skyline here, its magnificent Gothic twin spires reaching toward the heavens. A timely holiday visit to the cathedral this afternoon gives a glimpse of the gilded shrine, one of the largest in the world believed to contain relics of the Three Kings, or as we commonly know them, the Three Wise Men.
Enjoy time at leisure after visiting Cologne’s famed holiday markets. Located at the base of the Cathedral, these markets provide an idyllic backdrop to a true winter wonderland. Enjoy your first cup of Glühwein and prepare for a warm holiday welcome reception aboard your privately chartered luxury floating boutique hotel this evening.
Day 2 - Koblenz, Germany
Located where the Rhine and Moselle rivers and three mountain ranges meet, Koblenz’s scenery is unmatched. Add to that the city’s 2,000-year-old history, hilltop fortress, and squares lined by classic Germanic architecture, and you will have a place ready-made for photos. Ambling along the town’s narrow lanes and river promenade, we’ll enjoy an afternoon “Weinstube” (wine tavern) tour for a sip (or few) of the Rhine River valley’s renowned Riesling. Guests will enjoy a full day here in Koblenz, allowing time for independent exploration, such as a scenic cable car ride over the river providing incredible vistas of this charming city. Naturally, no visit is complete without visiting the holiday market and enjoying treats unique to this river area.
Day 3 - Scenic Sailing / Lorelei-Rhine Gorge / Rüdesheim, Germany
Enjoy a cozy corner of The Skylight Lounge this morning while enjoying one of our signature hot chocolate drinks with our mixologist. Sailing through the historic middle Rhine region this morning, words cannot express the magic of sailing past one castle after another. The backdrop dotted with trains wrapping around the mountainside inspires the Christmas Villages we decorate our homes with during the holidays.
This afternoon, we dock at Rüdesheim, a picturesque stop nestled in the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge. If this morning’s scenic sailing didn’t leave you spellbound, the medieval Old Town, with its half-timbered buildings and winding lanes, especially the lively Drosselgasse brimming with delightful shops and taverns, is sure to captivate you.
The region’s renowned brandy, produced here for centuries to Roman times, promises to delight, too.
Day 4 - Mannheim / Heidelberg / Ramstein, Germany
Sometimes referred to as the most romantic city in Germany, Heidelberg is not just a picturesque destination but also a vibrant hub of LGBTQ+ student life. Home to the nation’s oldest university, a charming baroque Old Town along the banks of the Neckar River, and magnificent castle ruins, Heidelberg offers a unique blend of history and modernity. This morning, tour 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, and the longest pedestrian street in Germany. Enjoy lunch together with LGBTQ+ students who call this city home, and get a firsthand glimpse into their unique experiences. Afterward, we’ll take a scenic drive to Ramstein Air Force Base.
This afternoon, we have a special opportunity to meet with LGBTQ+ soldiers at Ramstein Air Force Base. This visit is not just a part of our itinerary, but a heartwarming holiday visit with those who are not able to return home over the holidays. Transcend Cruises has something very special in store for our guests during this must-see visit, making it a truly memorable experience.
Day 5 - Wiesbaden, Germany
With 26 thermal springs simmering below Wiesbaden, the state capital of Hesse, this city has a watery past. The Wiesbaden, Germany hot springs have been renowned for centuries. Like the famous spa town of Baden-Baden, the Romans settled here for the hot springs. Some 2,000 years ago, it was known as Aquae Mattiacae and Roman soldiers soaked their aches, pains, and battle scars here. Today, you’ll relax like the Roman soldiers in the renowned Kaiser Friedrich Baths.
This Roman bathhouse, constructed in 1913, is decorated with intricate Art Nouveau-style tile work, arches, and frescoes. The bathhouse is built on the site of the original Roman baths, which means you are seriously soaking up history. Transcend has arranged an incredible spa day for our guests, and we’ll return to the ship rested, relaxed, and ready to enjoy our final day touring in Frankfurt.
Day 6 - Frankfurt, Germany
This morning, visit the Goethe House in the old town of Frankfurt am Main. It was the family residence of the Goethe family, most notably Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, until 1795. Johann Wolfgang was born here in 1749 to his parents, Johann Caspar Goethe, a lawyer, and Katherine Elisabeth Textor, daughter of Frankfurt’s mayor (Bürgermeister).
Johann Wolfgang lived here along with his sister Cornelia until 1765, aged sixteen, when he moved to Leipzig to study law, returning sporadically after that. Following, we’ll enjoy an LGBTQ+- led tour of the Stadel Museum, viewing colorful works by Kandinsky, Chagall, and Matisse, among others. There are also plenty of LGBTQ+ themes on display, from Max Beckmann as an elegant dandy in a self-portrait with Champagne Glass to Karl Hofer’s Two Friends, highlighting gay life in 1920s Berlin.
Following lunch in and around Schäfergasse and Alte Gasse, Frankfurt’s predominantly gay neighborhood, visit the small square at the intersection of the two streets bearing the name of the gay writer Klaus Mann since 1995. Today culminates at the Grand Dame of Christmas Markets in the heart of Frankfurt at Romerberg Market. We’ll then go to the smaller, cozier, pink-themed market, Rosa Weihnacht in Friedrich Stoltze Square, for our final Glühwein toast to a magical week filled with holiday spirit. For those still on the hunt for adventure, you may enjoy an evening shoreside as the ship overnights in Frankfurt.
Day 7 - Frankfurt, Germany / Departure
Today, we must bid you farewell, but never goodbye. Private transfers have been arranged for your departure.
Optional Cologne Bear Pride Pre-Cruise Program
November 29 - December 1, 2024
The timing couldn’t be better, as the Advance by Transcend will set sail on the final day of Cologne’s annual Bear Pride celebrations. Extend your stay, arriving 2-nights early, and enjoy the vibrant LGBTQ+ community Cologne is known for. Two nights at the legendary Hotel Excelsior Ernst, a brief walk from much of the city’s nightlife and attractions. Private transportation and VIP special access to the numerous Bear Pride events being planned have been arranged. Transcend Cruises will be at the heart of this year’s events, as we will participate in one of the biggest gatherings in the calendar of European Bear events.
Cologne Pre-Cruise Extension Inclusions
• 2-Nights Accommodations
• All Taxes & Fees
• Porterage
• Breakfast Daily (Day 2 & Day 3)
• Wi-Fi
• Sauna & Fitness Center Access
• Mini-Bar, Replenished Daily
• Private Airport Transfers
• Access to Cologne Bear Pride Events
• Half-day City Tour of Cologne
Hotel Excelsior Ernst, Cologne
Things that last just a few years are fashion. What lasts for decades is luxury. For over 160 years, the Excelsior Hotel Ernst has welcomed guests through its doors opposite Cologne Cathedral, in the heart of Cologne’s Old Town. And in this house of grand tradition, they appreciate guests with the highest expectations. Just a short walk to the Central Rail Station, the Excelsior Hotel Ernst, with its 134 luxury rooms, has all you need for an unforgettable stay.
Our guests will enjoy rooms that offer everything their heart desires, with nearly 350 square feet of living space. The rooms are adorned with unique views of well-known Cologne landmarks, immersing them in the city of the cathedral’s unique charm. You’ll feel right at home on the lovingly chosen carpets, in the spacious, inviting armchairs, and in the marble bathroom. Our Transcend LGBTQ+ Cruise Managers will be on-site to ensure your unique needs are tended to with pleasure.
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