The unveiling of the first Celebrity River ships marks a dramatic leap forward in European travel. Blending the sophistication of Celebrity’s ocean fleet with the intimacy of river cruising, the new vessels are designed for those who want more space, more choice, and deeper connections to the destinations they visit. Beginning in 2027, Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker will sail the Rhine and Danube, bringing the acclaimed “Celebrity Way” of vacationing to guests eager to explore Europe’s cultural heartlands.
Immersive Journeys Ahead with Celebrity River Ships
Priority booking has already opened, allowing travelers to secure staterooms with a refundable deposit. The enthusiasm reflects how Celebrity River ships are seen as a fresh alternative to traditional river cruising, with design, comfort, and service on a level unmatched in the industry.
Expansive Outdoor Living
The most striking feature of these ships is the reimagined open decks, offering a continuous outdoor connection to the riverside scenery. These decks provide more usable space than any other vessel in the category and remain open throughout the journey. Guests can dine al fresco in the world’s first cantilevered river dining pods, known as the Magic Edge, or enjoy a relaxed moment at the top-deck bar and grille. Transformative shade structures, year-round comfort features, and an infinity plunge pool ensure that time spent outdoors is as inviting as the destinations themselves.
Celebrity River ships were designed to encourage immersion in the journey. Whether guests prefer quiet contemplation or lively gatherings, the flexible deck spaces adapt to different moods and times of day.
Staterooms That Feel Like Home
Accommodation is another area where these ships distinguish themselves. Every stateroom features king-sized beds, intuitive storage, and residential-style interiors, making the cabins feel like private retreats rather than just places to sleep. Five stateroom categories, from River View to the new Skylight Infinite Balcony Suites, bring in natural light and open to sweeping vistas with a touch of a button.
Luxury touches include stocked mini bars, destination-inspired amenities, and complimentary services that elevate the overall stay. For suite guests, the experience rises further with on-demand butler service, exclusive dining, and priority access to shore excursions. By reinventing stateroom design, Celebrity River ships ensure guests are always connected to the landscapes outside while enjoying unmatched indoor comfort.
A Culinary Journey Alongside the Rivers
Dining will be an experience in its own right, with eight restaurants and bars serving a wide range of flavors and moods. Familiar Celebrity favorites like Café Al Bacio and the Martini Bar will join destination-driven menus crafted to reflect the regions visited. Morning might start with locally baked pastries, while evenings bring dishes inspired by cities along the itinerary.
Flexible dining hours and the only 24/7 meal service on the rivers allow guests to enjoy their vacation on their own schedule. Whether indulging in room-service breakfast on a private balcony or enjoying regional wine pairings in the dining venues, food on board is central to the journey.
Europe’s Heartland Through a New Lens
The itineraries are carefully curated to deliver authentic encounters with Europe’s heritage. Across 33 seven-night sailings, guests will explore cities and villages along the Rhine and Danube, with multiple ports of call and overnight stays creating more time ashore. Experiences range from cycling along riverbanks to wine tastings in Austria and thermal baths in Budapest.
These voyages are designed to capture the rare and the remarkable. Guests may see Budapest illuminated at night, drift through the Wachau Valley, or uncover quiet towns that feel far removed from the tourist trail. Pre- and post-cruise stays in cities like Prague and Budapest add another dimension, extending the vacation seamlessly.
Innovation with Responsibility
Beneath their striking exterior profiles, these ships feature advanced technology that sets new standards for sustainability in river cruising. Hybrid propulsion, noise-reduction systems, and state-of-the-art waste management minimize environmental impact while improving guest comfort. The result is a smoother, quieter sailing experience that respects the historic waterways it traverses.
By integrating green technology, Celebrity River ships also represent Royal Caribbean Group’s commitment to environmental stewardship, ensuring that the future of luxury travel remains aligned with protecting the planet.
Loyalty Rewarded in a New Setting
Celebrity’s Captain’s Club loyalty program will extend to the river product, allowing members to earn between eight and eighteen points per night, depending on stateroom category. Details on additional benefits will be unveiled in 2026, but the extension already gives repeat guests more reasons to continue their journeys with the brand.
The Future of River Travel
With Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker, Celebrity Cruises is rewriting expectations for river journeys. These ships combine generous outdoor living, thoughtfully designed accommodations, sophisticated dining, and immersive itineraries, all wrapped in a framework of sustainability. For travelers eager to discover Europe from its rivers, the debut of Celebrity River ships in 2027 promises not just a cruise, but a redefined way to experience the world.