In Good Company: Sean Mahoney on Disrupting the Default & Designing for Group Impact

In Good Company is a series by AUTHENTIC Meetings & Incentives® that highlights the people behind the brands shaping today’s incentive travel landscape.

This week, we sat down with Sean Mahoney, SVP at Transcend Cruises…

Transcend has redefined the river cruise model. What was the initial vision that lit the spark for this concept? 

Matthew Shollar, Co-Founder of Transcend Cruises, owned a niche charter cruise company designing bespoke voyages on luxury ocean and river ships. He grew increasingly frustrated with lines designed for leisure markets that lacked the flexibility, creativity, onboard venues and services for group events. He envisioned a cruise line that addressed all the pain points he experienced when chartering vessels. Enter Transcend Cruises, the only B2B river line in the industry offering luxury river vessels in Europe designed exclusively for groups.

You’re not retrofitting an experience. You’re building it from scratch. What’s one design or operational decision you’re especially proud of? 

Having been purpose built for groups, there are too many innovative design and operational features that truly distinguish Transcend from others to name a single one. So, I suppose I'm most proud of our "group focus" and unique ability to create experiences others can't replicate because they're designed for leisure guests. 

What’s the biggest misconception planners have when they first hear “river cruise” and how do you reframe it? 

Unfortunately, group buyer and/or planner perceptions about river cruising are mostly true. For instance, a customer may only want five nights but will be charged for seven because that's what a retail line published in its brochure. Or, that river vessels lack the kinds of venues and technology required for business meetings, receptions and other group events. Afterall, we were founded to fill a void in the marketplace and appeal to customers who have long wanted to conduct group events on river ships but lacked the product to do so.

You’ve worked across different corners of hospitality. What drew you to this bold idea, and what keeps you motivated? 

I've been very blessed throughout my career. I've worked for one of the single largest cruise brands at Royal Caribbean. One of the best known brands in the world at Disney and Disney Cruise Line. And the top rated brand in the cruise industry at Silversea Cruises. So, it only seemed natural that I join Transcend Cruises, a true market disruptor as the only B2B line in the industry.

What’s something Transcend is doing that no one’s really talking about yet, but should be? 

Unlike traditional land-based or cruise events, Transcend provides a seamless blend of business and leisure, where participants can engage in productive sessions during the day and enjoy entertainment, fine dining, and stunning views in the evening. Despite these advantages, many event planners shy away from cruises, viewing them as a complex and unfamiliar option. This hesitation often leads them to stick with what they know—land-based events. This is where Transcend Cruises steps in, transforming the cruise purchasing and planning process from a daunting task into an exciting opportunity. Transcend Cruises specializes in making cruise events accessible to planners who may be hesitant to explore this option. We offer tailored solutions that demystify the process, ensuring that every detail is handled with care. Our group focus and expertise helps planners visualize the potential of a cruise event, guiding them through each step, from selecting the right ship and itinerary to customizing on-board experiences. Having been purpose built for the group events market, Transcend Cruises enables planners to confidently step out of their comfort zone. This not only expands their event options but also delivers an unforgettable guest experience blending the best aspects of both land and sea.  

You’ve been an advocate for thoughtful group design. What does a well-orchestrated incentive program look like to you? 

First and foremost, it must possess the motivational appeal to produce the expected ROI, ROE, ROO, etc...An exclusive bespoke charter on a luxurious Transcend Cruises vessel featuring immersive experiences in a variety of ports in several countries is sure to inspire the very best from prospective guests. The following items are also essential to a well executed incentive reward experience, all of which distinguish Transcend Cruises from other options. The ability to determine the voyage length and itinerary without restrictions due to published leisure voyages. Identical accommodations for guests qualifying at the same level. Enough suites for executives or top performers. Venues that are conducive to an awards presentation, meetings and/or other events. More wellness space than any other river line for the highly valued "free time" in any incentive program. The ability to rebrand the vessel to the customer resulting in greater brand equity and advocacy, which strengthen emotional connections and drive incremental effort. Finally, the focus and expertise resulting in an experience guests could not duplicate on their own and that they will treasure for a lifetime.

---

Rethinking Events at Sea?

Transcend Cruises was built with business in mind. Offering private, all-suite ships and customizable sailings for meetings and incentives. See how they’re changing the game at transcendcruises.com.

---

Know someone who should be featured next?

Nominate a colleague whose story deserves the spotlight. We’re always looking for leaders, legends, and the voices shaping the future of incentives.

Submit a nomination here.