Celebrity Cruises is preparing for a game-changing launch in river travel with the introduction of Celebrity River Cruises, set to debut in mid-2027. The much-anticipated initiative unveils its first two vessels – Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker – targeting Europe’s iconic Rhine and Danube routes. The move positions Celebrity as a major force in luxury river cruising, combining sophisticated design with immersive European destination experiences.
Elevated Design and Unmatched Onboard Experiences
Both new ships embody a bold design philosophy aimed at redefining river cruising. Built with patent-pending hull technology, the lightweight yet elegant hull improves navigation while respecting the scenic waterways’ ambiance. Guests will enjoy expansive outdoor access via open-top decks – designed to be fully accessible throughout the journey, unlike traditional river ships limited by low-clearance bridges.
Dining becomes a destination in itself aboard the Magic Edge, Celebrity’s floating cantilevered dining pod that hovers gracefully above the river. Along with this unique culinary feature, multiple dining venues are available, including familiar favorites like Café al Bacio, Martini Bar, and Sunset Bar. A top-deck bar and grill, infinity-edge plunge pool, and shaded lounge areas complete the array of leisure spots designed for panoramic enjoyment.
Staterooms aboard the new ships raise the bar for river comfort. Among five distinct categories, the Skylight Infinite Balcony Suites stand out – with king-size beds, separate living rooms, and a skylight ceiling delivering abundant natural light. The most spacious accommodations, the Vista Balcony Suites, offer elegant layouts and premium amenities. These suites include butler-on-call service, exclusive dining, complimentary laundry, happy hours, and priority shore excursion reservations – truly bringing ocean-class hospitality to inland waterways.
2027 Itineraries, Booking Rush & Inclusive Yet Premium Appeal
The Celebrity River debut comprises 33 seven-night sailings across the Rhine and Danube, including festive voyages through Christmas markets and New Year’s celebrations. Danube routes connect Austria’s vineyards and castles with Vienna and Budapest, while Rhine itineraries range from Basel to Amsterdam and Nuremberg to Amsterdam, showcasing quaint European towns and cultural hotspots.
A priority booking program, requiring a refundable deposit, opened in early September – selling out in a record six minutes, reflecting extraordinary demand and anticipation. Fares begin around $2,999 per person for standard cabins and reach approximately $6,899 for top-tier suites.
What sets this offering apart is Celebity’s legacy transferred to river cruising: inclusive fares covering daily shore excursions, drinks, Wi-Fi, and round-the-clock dining. Loyalty club credits for ocean cruises seamlessly extend to river voyages, bridging onboard experiences across both travel modes.
As Celebrity Cruises launches into the river domain, it brings a fresh, upscale, and fully integrated experience – combining European river charm with elevated design, culinary flair, and the hallmark service of a premium cruise brand.
