Celebrity Cruises Makes Waves With New River Line Launching in 2027
A new era of river cruising is on the horizon. Celebrity Cruises is bringing its signature style to Europe’s most iconic waterways. If you’ve ever dreamt of blending the refined luxury of an ocean cruise with the immersive charm of a river voyage, your dream vacation just got a major upgrade.
Introducing Celebrity River Cruises: Ocean Inspired Luxury Meets River Adventure
Celebrity Cruises, long celebrated for its game changing Edge Series ships, is launching Celebrity River Cruises, a new line dedicated entirely to Europe’s rivers. This exciting announcement makes Celebrity the first major ocean cruise line to debut a full-fledged river cruise division and travelers can expect nothing short of excellence.
Set to sail beginning in 2027, this fleet will bring Celebrity’s upscale design, service, and all-inclusive offerings to travelers craving a more intimate way to explore the heart of Europe.
“We are excited to offer guests the chance to experience the first ever Celebrity River Cruises vacations in 2027 with Priority Booking Access,” shared Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, in a press release. “Guests will enjoy the warm hospitality Celebrity is known for, on innovative ships, with land experiences unlike any other, as we set sail on Europe’s iconic Danube and Rhine rivers.”
What to Expect from the New Celebrity River Cruises Fleet
Travelers can expect an entirely new level of sophistication on the rivers of Europe. Celebrity has commissioned 10 new river ships, all being constructed by TeamCo Shipyard in the Netherlands. The design of these ships will echo the iconic Edge Series, with a focus on stylish, modern interiors, expansive glass for sweeping 360-degree views, and an elevated onboard ambiance. Each ship will accommodate approximately 180 guests, making them among the largest river ships sailing Europe’s waterways today.
Set to launch in 2027, Celebrity’s first sailings will explore the iconic Danube and Rhine rivers, bringing guests into the heart of some of Europe’s most storied cities. The goal is to blend the intimacy of river cruising with the upscale design and amenities that Celebrity guests already love.
All Inclusive River Cruising: What’s Included?
Just like Celebrity’s ocean voyages, Celebrity River Cruises promises a premium all-inclusive experience, covering:
A Taste of Luxury: From gourmet meals to craft cocktails and barista style coffee, every culinary moment is included in your fare. Dining onboard reflects the flavors of the region, with dishes inspired by the ports you’ll visit along the way.
Always Connected: Stay in touch while you travel with complimentary WiFi throughout the ship, perfect for sharing your favorite moments in real time.
Enriching Excursions: Each port brings a new discovery, and with one expertly curated shore excursion included per stop, you’ll dive deeper into the culture, cuisine, and character of every destination.
More Time to Explore: Travelers can enhance their experience with optional hotel stays in Prague or Budapest, two cities rich in history and charm.
Celebrity River Cruises takes care of the details so you can focus on what matters: soaking in the scenery, savoring the flavors, and embracing every unforgettable moment.
How to Be First in Line: Priority Booking Access Opens Soon
Travelers who want to be among the first to sail on Celebrity River Cruises can secure Priority Booking Access beginning September 3, 2025 at 9:00 am ET. To do so, guests can place a fully refundable $500 deposit which grants early access to 2027 itineraries, priority cabin selection, and the opportunity to preview detailed itineraries and pricing before the public. This exclusive window gives Celebrity loyalists and river cruising enthusiasts a head start in planning their dream getaway.
Why This Launch Is a Big Deal
Celebrity River Cruises is poised to redefine river cruising by combining small ship intimacy with big ship amenities and design. This move comes in response to a growing trend. Nearly half of Celebrity’s past guests have expressed interest in river cruises, signaling strong demand for premium experiences on the waterways of Europe.
From Budapest to Amsterdam, these new itineraries will open up a fresh, immersive way to experience the history, culture, and cuisine of Europe without sacrificing the luxury or service Celebrity is known for.
Plan Your River Adventure with Avoya Travel
At Avoya Travel, we’re thrilled to help you set sail on this exciting new chapter in river cruising. Whether you’re new to river voyages or a seasoned traveler looking for a fresh take, a Personal Travel Advisor can help you explore itineraries, secure Priority Booking Access, and unlock exclusive deals.
Contact an Avoya Personal Travel Advisor today to start planning your Celebrity River Cruises journey and be among the first to experience this exciting new way to explore Europe in 2027.
Celebrity Cruises is charting a new course into river cruising, and you can be among the first to experience it. Talk to a Personal Travel Advisor to stay updated on the 2027 launch, learn about early booking opportunities, and start planning your next adventure with the cruise line you know and love. A whole new kind of journey awaits.
