FLoatarama and SunServe Partner with Transcend Cruises for Holiday Christmas Market Rhine River Cruise

In a generous show of unity and support, Transcend Cruises announced it partnered with two leading South Florida nonprofit organizations, SunServe and FLoatarama, to help fund their joint mission of providing critical mental healthcare and life-changing services for at-risk LGBTQ+ youth.

An exclusive Holiday Markets Along the Rhine River Cruise will sail along one of the most scenic regions of Germany aboard the Advance by Transcend Cruises. This exclusively LGBTQ+ voyage sailing from December 1 – 7, 2024, is offered at a special all-inclusive price, from just $3,199 per person. Upon filling the sailing by the Friday, June 28, 2024, booking deadline, Transcend Cruises pledged a $100,000 donation to SunServe and FLoatrama, affirming its belief that luxury travel and social responsibility can indeed go together.

Several truly special highlights have been added to this sailing including an 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. Here, Tony Lima, CEO, SunServe and Scott Schramm, president of FLoatrama will co-host a panel conversation with LGTBQ+ soldiers on their experience in the military at Ramstein, followed by a festive holiday reception.  “This is a perfect time of year to visit when so many of our LGTBQ+ soldiers are spending holidays away from their chosen families,” said Scott Schramm.

Acclaimed Miami-based LGTBQ+ chef Todd Erickson will accompany the group as the Guest Chef onboard, leading hands-on cooking classes, special talks on holiday entertaining, and guest cooking competitions. Chef Todd is curating nightly epicurean theme dinners with wine pairings each evening. Envy Peru, winner of Drag Race Holland, German drag superstar Nikita Vegaz, and Austrian fan favorite Metamorkid, former contestants on Ru Paul’s Drag Race Germany, will also perform on board to keep the energy up onboard.

Prior to setting sail, guests may opt to extend their time in Cologne by adding the two-night pre-cruise program at the five-star Excelsior Hotel Ernst just opposite the iconic Cologne Cathedral which also falls over legendary Cologne Bear Pride.

“Travel is the perfect way to broaden our awareness and understanding of different cultures, beliefs, and, most importantly, lifestyles,” said Hans Rood, CEO of Transcend Cruises. “It is our privilege to be able to partner with SunServe and FLoatarama, providing the support they deserve. We’ve not held back in adding every possible special touch to this journey.  There isn’t anything else like this sailing available.”

“Our services profoundly impact over 8,000 people each year, including vulnerable youth, seniors, and our transgender,” said Tony Lima, CEO of SunServe. “We are beyond grateful for Transcend’s generosity, and we’re very optimistic we’ll be able to sell out what promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

The all-inclusive package includes private arrival and departure airport transfers, shore excursions, gourmet meals, free flow ultra-premium open bar, incredible entertainment, all shipboard crew and local guide gratuities, and Wi-Fi.

“We are delighted to align with the fantastic team at Transcend Cruises, who’ve curated this exceptional experience to help us support the most vulnerable people in our community, LGBTQ+ youth,” said Scott Schramm, co-founder of FLoatrama, a South Florida 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds to support at-risk LGBTQ+ youth.  “We’re encouraging everyone who wants to join us for what promises to be an unforgettable trip with magical memories in an all-inclusive environment.

According to the 2024 LGBTQ+ State Safety Report Cards issued by SafeHome.org, Florida received an F grade and ranked as the second-worst state for LGBTQ+ safety, only behind South Dakota. In 2023, Florida was the 15th worst-ranked state, but newer and harsher legislation has contributed to its plummeting safety score. The report sadly reminds the world what LGBTQ+ Floridians are living through: the “Don’t Say Gay” law, book bans, medical restrictions and obstacles for trans youth and adults, misgendering of students in public schools, and more.

For additional information on the Holiday Markets Along the Rhine River Cruise, visit https://transcend-cruises.com/lgbtq/  or call  954-737-4709, or email Reservations@Transcend.Cruises