Here’s What That Means for Travelers
Celebrity Cruises just announced something big: they’re launching river cruises in Europe starting in 2027. For travelers who love the brand’s design-forward ocean ships and exceptional service, this could open the door to a whole new way of seeing Europe.
But here’s the crucial question: What does this mean for travelers? Let’s get into the details.
River cruises have gone from niche to mainstream in the past decade. Increasingly, travelers are discovering that they don’t have to choose between comfort and cultural immersion. On a river cruise, you wake up in a new city every day — no unpacking, no stressful travel days, and no dealing with trains or airport transfers.
The appeal is clear: you glide straight through the heart of Europe’s cities, villages, and wine regions, while enjoying small-ship intimacy and curated shore experiences. If you’ve done the big cities and want something slower and more connected, river cruising is a natural next step.
Plenty of cruise lines already offer river itineraries — so what’s different about Celebrity joining the mix?
For one, Celebrity Cruises is known for bringing a modern, elevated touch to ocean cruising. Their Edge Series ships redefined design at sea, focusing on open spaces, high-end dining, and immersive experiences. If they apply that same philosophy to their river ships, expect something new in a space that hasn’t changed much in years.
This won’t be a copy-and-paste of existing river cruises. It’s likely to feel more boutique hotel on water than a traditional river barge, with a greater emphasis on culinary experiences, wellness, and thoughtful design.
Details are still emerging, but here’s what we know so far: Celebrity is launching a fleet of 10 purpose-built ships, starting with routes in Europe. These ships are being designed from scratch, which gives them an edge over brands retrofitting existing boats.
While exact itineraries haven’t been confirmed, we know the rivers will include heavy-hitters like the Danube, Rhine, and Seine. Expect routes that run through cultural capitals like Vienna, Budapest, Amsterdam, and Paris, plus plenty of lesser-known towns along the way.
The onboard experience is likely to mirror Celebrity’s ocean cruises, which means locally inspired cuisine, floor-to-ceiling windows in staterooms, spa-style wellness areas, and curated shore excursions that go beyond the usual tourist stops.
If you’ve already cruised with Celebrity, this is a no-brainer — you’ll feel right at home. But even if you’ve never stepped foot on a ship, this could be a great fit if you’re looking for:
• A more relaxed way to travel through Europe without airports or constant hotel hopping
• A balance of comfort, culture, and convenience, with a little luxury thrown in
• A smaller, more intimate travel style with 100–150 passengers instead of 3,000+
• A cruise experience that’s less traditional and more design-forward
It’s also worth noting that if you’re already part of Celebrity’s loyalty program, those perks may carry over, which gives current cruisers another reason to consider river cruising with the brand.
Bookings for Celebrity River Cruises open in 2025, with the first sailings set for 2027. That may feel far off, but early itineraries for popular river cruise lines tend to sell out fast, especially for in-demand times like spring, fall, and holiday sailings.
If this feels like your kind of trip, it’s worth signing up for early updates. Celebrity has opened a waitlist on its website, and early access often comes with perks such as launch offers or cabin upgrades.
This isn’t just a cruise company expanding its territory. It’s a signal that river cruising is becoming more design-conscious, experience-driven, and appealing to a younger, more modern traveler.
Celebrity River Cruises could be a game-changer — not just for existing cruise fans, but for people who’ve never considered this kind of travel before. If you’re dreaming of a European escape that’s equal parts cultural immersion and effortless comfort, this just might be worth the wait.
Celebrity Cruises offers more than just a vacation — it’s a refined way to explore Europe’s most iconic rivers in comfort and style. Whether you’re dreaming of drifting through the vineyards of the Rhône, exploring the storybook towns along the Danube, or waking up in the heart of Paris on the Seine, Celebrity’s immersive river itineraries are designed for travelers who crave connection, culture, and ease.
Step onboard a next-generation ship built for the journey — with modern design, locally inspired cuisine, and panoramic views at every turn. This is small-ship travel, elevated the Celebrity way.
Talk to a cruise expert today to learn more about upcoming itineraries and early booking opportunities.