Edie Rodriguez Named CEO of Transcend Cruises

Transcend Cruises has appointed Edie Rodriguez as chief executive officer and a member of its board of directors, succeeding Gregg Marston. She will oversee the company’s strategy, brand development and growth.

Transcend sells whole-ship charters on European rivers, with meetings, incentives, conferences and events among its target markets.

Marston will remain on the board, while the rest of Transcend’s executive leadership team will stay in their current roles and work with Rodriguez. The company thanked Marston for his contributions during his tenure as CEO.

Shawn Horowitz, chairman of Transcend Cruises’ board of directors, described Rodriguez as having “a remarkable understanding of the luxury travel landscape, especially in cruising,” alongside experience in business growth and team building.

“With the exceptional team at Transcend, together we will focus on growing the business successfully and profitably,” Rodriguez said. She also identified experiences onboard and ashore for charter clients and their guests as a priority.

Experience across river and ocean cruising

Rodriguez previously served as president and CEO of Crystal Cruises, with responsibilities spanning Crystal River Cruises and Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises. Her background also includes the role of Americas brand chairman at Ponant and senior positions in marketing, sales and business development at Azamara Cruises, Cunard Line and Seabourn.

Beyond cruise operations, Rodriguez has served as a special advisor to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and as a Saudi Tourism Authority board member, including chairing its Nominating and Remuneration Committee. She has also advised private equity firm Blackstone and is a director of Supercruises.com.

A business built around charter clients

Transcend’s customers include incentive houses, corporate event planners, tour operators, travel brands, associations and private-event organizers. It owns and operates its vessels, and does not sell individual cabins directly to travelers.

Charter clients can select the duration and ports for their sailing, as well as onboard programming and shore activities for their own guests. Clients can book roughly one to three years ahead.