Celebrity River Cruises: Everything You Need to Know
- Emma Guse
- Sep 5
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 26
Celebrity Cruises, long admired for sleek design, thoughtful service, and refined dining at sea, is stepping into an entirely new arena. In 2027, Celebrity River Cruises will launch its first ships on the Rhine and Danube.
This is not simply another entry into the river market. Celebrity is promising to change the way people experience Europe’s rivers with game-changing ship design, expanded outdoor spaces, elevated dining, and inclusions that rival their ocean offerings.
Priority Booking Sold Out in Minutes
Celebrity opened priority access in September 2025, inviting travelers to place a fully refundable $500 deposit to secure a stateroom. Within six minutes, every available spot was gone. At the end of the month, the remainder of 2027 sailing opportunities sold out in under 5 hours. That level of demand shows just how much interest there is in a river product with the Celebrity brand name. I'm excited to share I've secured a cabin for December 2027 and look forward to experiecing this beautiful brand and experience up close and personal!
Introducing the First River-Class Ships
The first two ships, the Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker, will debut on the Rhine and Danube in 2027. A fleet of ten is planned. These vessels are being described as the most innovative on Europe’s rivers, combining the open-air design of Celebrity’s Edge Series with the intimacy of river cruising, including:
Revolutionary open decks: Expansive outdoor spaces, accessible day and night, with 360-degree views of the riverscapes.
Magic Edge dining pods: The first-ever cantilevered dining venues on a river ship, allowing guests to dine suspended over the water.
Infinity-edge plunge pool: Designed for year-round use, complete with shaded lounges and a top-deck bar and grill.
Multiple moods, one ship: Flexible deck zones for socializing or quiet relaxation, created for comfort in all seasons.
Staterooms Designed for Living, Not Just Sleeping
Celebrity’s new river-class ships will feature five boutique stateroom categories, all with king-size beds and thoughtful residential design in the following cabin types:
Skylight Infinite Balcony Suites: A separate living area with a ceiling window for maximum natural light.
Vista Balcony Suites and Balcony Staterooms: Enhanced private space for enjoying coffee or evening wine outdoors.
Infinite Balcony Staterooms: A design borrowed from Celebrity’s Edge-class ships that brings the outside in at the touch of a button.
River View Staterooms: Bright, comfortable, and efficient for those who value value and simplicity.
Every stateroom includes luxury linens, bathrobes, slippers, a stocked minibar, and destination-inspired amenities. Suite guests enjoy exclusive perks such as on-demand butler service through Butler Chat, complimentary dining, daily happy hour, complimentary laundry once per sailing, and priority excursion booking.
Dining the Celebrity Way
River cruising has traditionally meant one main restaurant and a lounge. Celebrity is rewriting that rule. Each ship will offer eight restaurants and bars, including familiar ocean favorites like Martini Bar, Sunset Bar, and Café al Bacio, along with:
Destination-driven menus: Evolving throughout the sailing with regional delicacies.
Flexible dining: The first true 24/7 dining options on Europe’s rivers.
In-room dining: Complimentary breakfast room service and all-day access to casual bites.
This approach means guests will have far more choice in how, when, and where they dine compared to traditional river cruises.
Celebrity River Cruise Itineraries
Celebrity River Cruises will begin with thirty-three seven-night itineraries on the Rhine and Danube. These include:
Classic cultural routes through Germany, Austria, and Hungary.
Christmas market sailings during November and December.
New Year’s Eve departures with extended onboard celebrations.
Guests can expect multiple ports per day and overnights in marquee cities like Budapest. Experiences include cycling the riverbanks of the Danube, soaking in thermal baths, tasting Austrian wines, and exploring cobblestone villages. Pre- and post-cruise stays in iconic cities like Prague and Budapest will be available starting in early 2026.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Celebrity River Cruises is also advancing environmental standards. These new vessels will feature lightweight hulls for better maneuverability, hybrid propulsion systems, and advanced waste and noise reduction technology. The goal is to deliver an uninterrupted, smooth sailing experience while respecting the destinations visited.
How Celebrity Compares to River Industry Leaders
FAQs for the Curious (and Pragmatic)
When will Celebrity River Cruises start?
Sailings begin in 2027 on the Rhine and Danube.
How much will they cost?
Starting prices are expected around $2,999 for river view cabins, with suites exceeding $6,000 during peak festive sailings.
What is included in the fare?
Dining, drinks, Wi-Fi, daily excursions, and round-the-clock food options.
Will the river cruise experience feel more like Celebrity’s ocean cruises or traditional river cruising?
It will be a blend. Ships are purpose-built for rivers, but include multiple dining venues and design features ocean guests already love.
Should I book direct or with a travel advisor?
A travel advisor’s commission is built into the fare whether you use one or not. Booking with me ensures you gain the full benefit of that service, including personal planning before, support during, and thoughtful follow-up after.
Why You Need an Expert
Celebrity’s entry into the river market is exciting, but details are still unfolding. With demand already sky-high, cabins will go quickly. My role as your advisor is to track every update, compare Celebrity with other trusted lines, secure the best options, and handle the details (from flights to insurance) so your river cruise planning is seamless.
Final Thoughts
Celebrity River Cruises is not simply another option. It is a reimagining of river cruising with more outdoor space, more dining variety, and more connection to Europe’s most iconic rivers. If you already love Celebrity at sea, this new chapter could be exactly the river experience you have been waiting for.
If you are curious about sailing the Rhine or Danube with Celebrity in 2027, I would be glad to guide you through what to expect and how to secure early access.
Your Next Step
We can hop on a quick call or video chat, and I’ll listen to you and then walk you through:
Which river and itinerary fits your style
The differences between the major cruise lines (beyond what’s in the brochures)
How to time your trip for the best value and experience
And once again, my services are 100% complimentary. No fees. No catch. I mean it.
I'd love to talk, so let's take the next step!
📌 Take my River Cruise Personality Quiz to discover your travel style.
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📌 Fill out an inquiry form and let's set up a time to talk!
Emma Guse is a River Cruise Specialist with Travelmation, helping solo travelers, couples, families, and groups plan unforgettable river cruises with ease. Known for her down-to-earth style and expert guidance, she handles the details so you can focus on making memories.
Emma's services are 100% complimentary and included in the base rates of every river cruise line. Learn more about Emma HERE or submit an inquiry HERE.
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