Celebrity Cruises is aiming to shake up European river cruising with a plan to build 10 new ships with Edge Class features and service “The Celebrity Way.”
Celebrity River Cruises is opening bookings starting Sept. 3, 2025 for cruises due to start in Europe in 2027. Guests can secure exclusive early access to 2027 sailings with a fully refundable $500 deposit, getting first access to itinerary and stateroom details before the general public has the chance to book, Celebrity advises.
The new river cruise experience promises to deliver Celebrity’s signature elevated design – seamlessly blending the sophistication of their acclaimed Edge Series ocean ships with authentic European charm as guests glide through historic cities along the storied Danube and Rhine.
All fares include comprehensive packages with meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, onboard experiences and a daily shore excursion. Pre- and post-cruise stays in Prague and Budapest will also be available when full booking opens in 2026.
Details of the ship designs haven’t been unveiled but Celebrity promises they will have “breathtaking 360-degree views to maximize the secnic spendor of river cruising.” Celebrity hints that they will borrow features from the Edge class of ocean ships, which means they may have infinite balconies, with windows that lower to become a veranda. And the ships are likely to accommodate between 100 and 200 guests, which is the standard for European river cruising.
Locally inspired cuisine and unique shore experiences delivered “The Celebrity Way” will be among perks of the all-inclusive pricing.
Europe may only be the start of Celebrity’s river aspirations. “Celebrity River Cruises will bring the quality and sophistication of our Edge Series ocean ships to the most iconic rivers, starting with Europe,” hinted Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. The line will offer loyalty programs across Celebrity and Royal Caribbean Group brands.
“We’re thrilled to announce our entry into the river cruise market through our Celebrity Cruises premium travel brand. Our guests and travel partners should expect us to do what we do best – innovate and elevate the river cruise experience as we meet the growing demand for intimate, culturally enriching travel experiences,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group.
“With about half of our guests having experienced or intending to vacation on a river cruise, we know they will enjoy Celebrity’s elevated offering on the river. By leveraging our valuable loyalty programs across our three brands, we will deepen customer engagement and further our ability to keep guests within our ecosystem of vacation offerings. We are the best in the world at delivering the vacation of a lifetime, and this is the latest example of how we are building the capabilities to deliver a lifetime of vacations.”
More details of the ships and itineraries are promised soon.
Story by Wallace Immen, The Cruisington Times
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