Ever since the announcement, we at River Cruise Experts have been watching the arrival of Celebrity River Cruises very closely. While you won’t find an offer yet from us (or any final deal bookings) before 2026, the developments are meaningful enough that we’ll be adding this brand to our “brands we monitor” list — and we’ll keep you updated as things move.
What We Know So Far
In January 2025, Celebrity Cruises announced the launch of a river-cruise division set to debut in Europe in 2027. Their initial plan includes 10 purpose-built river ships, designed to bring the design and sophistication of their award-winning “Edge” class ocean ships to Europe’s rivers.
The first ships will sail on the Rhine and the Danube, focusing on immersive cultural itineraries and upscale onboard experiences. When bookings opened in September 2025, Celebrity’s entire 2027 season — 33 seven-night sailings — sold out in under five hours.
Who They’re Targeting — and Why It Matters
Celebrity has built a loyal following in the premium ocean-cruise space with millions of repeat guests. The move into river cruising is a natural extension, aiming to capture travelers who love the brand’s design, dining, and service — but want a more intimate, destination-focused way to explore Europe.
They’re appealing especially to ocean cruisers who haven’t yet tried river cruising, as well as those seeking a familiar level of comfort and sophistication. Expect features like spacious cabins with king-size beds, contemporary décor, and elevated dining programs. The design is expected to carry over Celebrity’s signature clean lines, abundant glass, and strong indoor-outdoor flow — elements that have defined their ocean ships.
What This Means for Our Clients
The fact that Celebrity’s first sailings sold out so quickly shows just how much anticipation exists for this brand’s entry into river cruising. It also signals a shift in the market — major ocean lines are now recognizing the growth potential of river cruising and investing heavily to meet demand.
For travelers, that means more choices — but also more complexity. While there’s no booking opportunity yet, we are tracking every development closely. We expect more details to emerge in 2026, including additional itineraries, ship specifications, and booking timelines.
When the time comes, we’ll be ready to help clients compare Celebrity’s new river ships with established lines — showing where they align and where they differ. Until then, there’s nothing new to book, but plenty to look forward to.
Looking Ahead
As more information becomes available, we’ll share updates on:
New itinerary announcements or ship deployments beyond the Rhine and Danube.
Cabin layouts, inclusions, and pricing structures.
How Celebrity positions itself alongside established river brands in terms of value and service.
Potential early-booking opportunities or loyalty perks for past Celebrity ocean cruisers.
For now, this remains one of the most exciting developments in the river cruise industry in years. Celebrity’s entry will almost certainly redefine expectations for design, innovation, and onboard atmosphere — and we’ll be here to help you navigate every new detail as it unfolds.
River Cruise Experts
Helping travelers find the right river cruise — not just the most familiar name.