Celebrity Cruises is bringing its signature elevated style to Europe’s rivers in 2027 with the launch of Celebrity River Cruises. For travelers who already love Celebrity’s modern design, polished service, and destination-focused approach at sea, this is an exciting new way to experience Europe at a slower, more intimate pace.

Celebrity’s inaugural river cruises are planned to begin in August 2027, with 7-night itineraries on the Danube and Rhine rivers. Celebrity has stated that its 2027 and 2028 river cruises will sail these two iconic European waterways. 

The New Celebrity River Ships

Celebrity’s first two river ships, Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker, are scheduled for delivery in 2027. Celebrity has also announced a larger river fleet, with 20 ships on order and the remaining ships expected to be delivered by 2031. 

Each river ship is designed for a more intimate experience, with 172 guests at double occupancy across 86 staterooms. Celebrity describes the ship design as sleek, open, and unmistakably modern, with more open spaces for guests to enjoy. 

On Celebrity Compass, guests can expect spacious interiors, open-air lounges, and the first-ever Skylight Infinite Balcony Suites. The ship will also include thoughtful in-room amenities such as daily housekeeping and turndown service, in-room filtered water, complimentary stocked mini bar and pre-packaged snacks upon arrival, and complimentary continental breakfast served in-room. 

Where Will Celebrity River Cruises Sail?

Celebrity’s 2027 river program focuses on two of Europe’s most beloved rivers: the Danube and the Rhine.

Danube River Cruises

The Danube itineraries are designed around Central and Eastern Europe, with destinations such as Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Belgrade, the Wachau Valley, and the Iron Gates highlighted in Celebrity’s published route descriptions. Celebrity notes that Lower Danube itineraries include an overnight in Bucharest. 

Featured Danube itineraries include:

7-Night Upper Danube River Cruise
Sailing from Nuremberg to Budapest, this itinerary blends historic capitals, vineyard-lined valleys, and iconic landmarks. 

7-Night Budapest & Vienna
This westbound Danube journey travels from the grandeur of Budapest toward Bavaria, combining vibrant capitals with riverside scenery. 

7-Night Danube Christmas Market Cruise
This holiday itinerary sails from Budapest to Nuremberg and focuses on Europe’s Christmas market season. 

Rhine River Cruises

Celebrity’s Rhine itineraries highlight destinations such as Basel, Strasbourg, Cologne, and Amsterdam, along with vineyard-lined hills, medieval towns, castle-crowned ridges, and seasonal Christmas markets. 

The Rhine is a wonderful fit for travelers who want classic river scenery, storybook towns, wine regions, and easy access to major European cities.

What’s Included?

One of the most important questions for travelers is what is actually included in the cruise fare.

Celebrity states that its river cruises include:

One shore excursion per day
Guests will have one included shore excursion per day, with optional upgrades available. Travelers may also choose to explore independently. 

All meals
Celebrity says all meals are included, with more restaurants and more dining choice on the river, including a 24-hour option. 

Beverages
Select wine, beer, cocktails, coffee, and soft drinks are included, with the opportunity to upgrade. Celebrity’s FAQ also states that all guests receive the classic beverage package, while suite guests receive the premium beverage package. The premium beverage package will also be available for purchase for a fee. 

Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi is included throughout the journey. 

Onboard experiences
Celebrity describes its onboard experience as offering more to do and more spaces to enjoy while sailing Europe’s rivers. 

Mini bar
Celebrity’s FAQ states that everything in the mini bar is included. 

What Is Optional?

Celebrity has also outlined several items that may be optional or available for an additional cost.

Shore excursion upgrades
One shore excursion per day is included, but upgraded shore excursion options will be available. 

Pre- and post-cruise experiences
Celebrity plans to offer pre- and post-cruise experiences in select destinations. These can help travelers extend their vacation, but Celebrity notes that additional details and booking information will be shared as they become available. 

Airport transfers
Transportation between the airport and cruise terminal can be purchased for embarkation and debarkation day. 

Travel protection
CruiseCare insurance is available at an additional cost as part of the cruise purchase, and Celebrity notes that it is currently available in the U.S. market. 

Specialty dining reservations
Celebrity says guests do not need reservations for the main restaurant, but specialty dining will require reservations and can be booked prior to sailing. 

Premium beverage package for non-suite guests
The premium beverage package is included for suite guests and will be available for purchase for a fee for other guests. 

Who Is a Celebrity River Cruise Best For?

Celebrity River Cruises may be a strong fit for travelers who enjoy a refined, design-forward cruise experience but want to explore Europe in a more relaxed and immersive way. River cruising places guests closer to the heart of each destination, often docking near historic town centers, cultural landmarks, cafés, markets, and walkable neighborhoods.

For ocean cruise guests who love Celebrity but have been curious about river cruising, this new product offers a familiar brand experience in an entirely different style of travel. For first-time river cruisers, the 7-night format may also feel approachable, especially with included dining, drinks, Wi-Fi, and one shore excursion per day.

Final Thought

Celebrity River Cruises represents a major new chapter for the brand. With new purpose-built river ships, 7-night Danube and Rhine itineraries, included excursions, dining, beverages, Wi-Fi, and optional upgrades for travelers who want a more customized experience, Celebrity is entering the river cruise market with a product designed for guests who want Europe to feel elegant, effortless, and deeply connected to the destination.

If you are considering Europe in 2027, this is one to watch, especially if you love Celebrity’s ocean ships and want to experience the Danube or Rhine in a more intimate way.

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