2025 Rhine River Cruise

THE RHINE REDEFINED

An Exclusively LGBTQ+ River Cruise Experience

August 8 - August 15, 2025

The Gentleman
Antwerp, Belgium to Basel, Switzerland


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

Brussels

Antwerp

Bruges

Amsterdam

Dusseldorf

Heidelberg

Strasbourg

Basel

Brussels

Antwerp

Bruges

Amsterdam

Dusseldorf

Journey Highlights

Sail Five 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 Belgium to Switzerland aboard one of Europe’s newest river ships, The Gentleman.

  • Performances by some of Europe’s top drag performers.

  • Nightly entertainment by renowned DJ Matt Consola.


  • 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.
  • 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.

Entertainment

Kristine W

Kristine W is one of the most popular dance club artists of all time, with 17 #1 songs to date on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart and is currently listed among Billboard’s 8 Greatest of All Time Top Dance Club Artists, and she was ranked #3 in Billboard’s Top Dance Artists of the Decade. She's also tied for third place with Beyoncé for the most consecutive #1 hits with nine. In addition, her album The Power of Music is one of only three albums in the history of the chart to produce at least seven #1 songs from one album (Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream also had seven, and Rihanna’s Anti had eight).

DJ MATT CONSOLA

Matt Consola is a renowned artist, producer, and DJ with an impressive international career. As the owner of Swishcraft Music, America’s largest LGBTQAI+ record label, he has worked with Grammy-nominated and Billboard-charting artists, remixing 21 Billboard #1 dance hits for stars like Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Ariana Grande, and Cher. His 2020 single “Proud” became the official DJ anthem of Stonewall 50, and his signature remixes continue to dominate global dance charts.

A veteran DJ, Consola has been a resident at the queer party Bearracuda since 2006, which spans 64 cities across 12 countries. He also helms the Dirty Disco and Daddy Issues parties, expanding them to major LGBTQ+ hubs in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. In 2023, he launched the Dirty Disco Presents: Tea at Reforma in Palm Springs, later rebranded as DaddyPop!—a high-energy afternoon Tea Dance celebrating vocal house and classic dance anthems.

Envy Peru

Envy Peru made history as the first winner of Drag Race Holland and the first Peruvian queen to claim a Drag Race crown. Based in Amsterdam, she is celebrated for her charm, professionalism, performances, fashion, and makeup artistry.

Since her victory, Envy has starred in Dutch TV shows like de Verraders and Make Up Your Mind, judged Drag Race España, and given interviews to major outlets like Entertainment Weekly and GayTimes New York. She tours extensively across Europe and the Americas and holds residencies in The Amsterdam Drag Show and The Rotterdam Drag Show.

Beyond performing, Envy has collaborated with top brands, including M.A.C. Cosmetics, Mugler, H&M, and Google. In 2023, her U.S. work visa was approved, expanding her international presence even further.

Janey Jacke

Meet Janey Jacké! This talented queen captured hearts worldwide during her stint on Drag Race Holland and RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs The World. She showcased her 'charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent' and gained admiration from judges and fans alike.


Janey is a stunning, outspoken queen known for her captivating performances and dancing skills. Beyond Drag Race, she has appeared in various Dutch movies and shows, such as Make Up Your Mind, where she serves as a permanent Drag judge. She collaborates with brands like Steve Madden and T-Mobile.


This multi-talented queen performs globally, from Pride Amsterdam’s mainstage to residencies in Rotterdam and Amsterdam and across the UK, Europe, and the U.S. Janey also advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Danny Beard

Liverpool-born drag sensation Danny Beard is an electrifying performer and vocalist, leading a unique blend of live music and comedy that combines club kid aesthetics with classic drag. Their rise to fame peaked when they won season four of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, becoming the first bearded queen to do so worldwide.


Since the victory, Danny has become a renowned entertainer, headlining Pride events and captivating audiences both in the UK and internationally, notably with a daily residency at Sziget Festival. Each performance is a mix of comedy, song, and unapologetic camp, showcasing Danny's exceptional vocal talent and captivating stage presence.


Beyond live shows, Danny has made an impact on television and radio, hosting The After Shave on BBC Three and joining BBC Radio 1 as a presenter. They've appeared on shows like The Traitors: Uncloaked, Big Brother: Late & Live, and have a recurring role on Hollyoaks

The Gentleman

The Ship

Entered Service: May 2024

Decks: 4

Ship Registry: Switzerland

Ship Specifications

442 ft Long

37.5 ft Wide


Guest Capacity
Staterooms: 86

Guest Capacity: 172

Crew
45 Crew Members

The Gentleman, executed in white with dark glass, is a sight to behold. The interior is based on that of a luxury hotel. A lot of stainless steel in combination with natural colors such as bronze, copper and black give the whole an elegant warm appearance. The high lobby makes the entrance distinguished. Everything is present to make a river cruise a beneficial experience for every single passenger. Restaurants, a bar, lounges, a sun deck, a fitness room and a massage and beauty salon. A complete hotel experience, but on the water. 

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)

If you would like to join the wait list, please click here.

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

Category Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Availability
The Gentleman Suite+ $5,499 $10,998 Sold Out
The Gentleman Suite $5,199 $10,398 Sold Out
Category A $4,299 $8,598 Sold Out
Category B $3,999 $7,998 Sold Out
Category C $3,599 $5,399 Sold Out
Category D $3,399 $4,799 Sold Out
Category E $2,999 $3,899 Sold Out

Taxes/port fees of $299 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!

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