Will CELEBRITY River Cruises Change River Cruising in Europe Forever? NEW 2027 Launch!

Celebrity Cruises has officially announced its entrance into the European river cruise market with the launch of Celebrity River Cruises, debuting in 2027. This bold move by the Royal Caribbean Group marks one of the most significant expansions in luxury river cruising in recent years — bringing Celebrity’s signature modern design, award-winning service, and five-star dining from the ocean to the rivers of Europe.

The Launch of Celebrity River Cruises 2027

Set to begin sailing in August 2027, Celebrity River Cruises will introduce two all-new vessels — the Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker — purpose-built to operate on Europe’s iconic rivers: the Danube and the Rhine.
Both ships are part of a larger vision that includes up to 10 river ships by 2029.

These innovative ships will deliver a level of style, spaciousness, and sophistication rarely seen on the rivers. Designed from the ground up, each ship will reflect the sleek aesthetic of Celebrity’s Edge-class ocean vessels, featuring open architecture, cutting-edge technology, and elegant, light-filled interiors.

Innovative Ship Design: Celebrity Compass & Celebrity Seeker

Each ship will accommodate approximately 172 guests across 86 staterooms, maintaining an intimate environment while providing luxurious comfort.

Key features include:

• Revolutionary open decks with 360-degree views and transformative shade structures

• A top-deck bar and grill for scenic al-fresco dining

• A stunning infinity-edge plunge pool overlooking the river landscapes

• Magic Edge™ — the first-ever cantilevered dining pods on a river ship, inspired by the Magic Carpet venue on Celebrity’s ocean ships

The design goal is to create the most usable outdoor space of any river ship in Europe, merging the comfort of ocean cruising with the intimacy of river travel.

Staterooms & Suites

Every stateroom on the Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker will feature a king-size bed — a first in the river cruise industry.
Guests can choose from five categories:

1. River View Stateroom (157 ft²) – Entry-level category with a picture window

2. Infinite Balcony (173–179 ft²) – Wall-to-wall glass with an indoor-outdoor design

3. Balcony Stateroom (211–225 ft²) – Private veranda with seating for two

4. Skylight Infinite Balcony Suite (233 ft²) – Floor-to-ceiling windows, ceiling skylight, butler service, and stocked minibar

5. Vista Balcony Suite (258 ft²) – Spacious living area, panoramic balcony, dual sinks, and dedicated butler service

Amenities include: spa-inspired bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes (in select suites), complimentary stocked minibars, turndown service, in-room breakfast, and onboard concierge assistance.

Suite guests will also receive premium beverage packages, laundry service, exclusive dining, and priority shore excursion booking.

Dining & Onboard Experience

Celebrity River Cruises will redefine onboard dining by introducing the first 24/7 dining concept on Europe’s rivers — offering guests complete flexibility for meals at any time of day.

There will be six restaurants and bars, including Celebrity favorites such as:

• Martini Bar

• Café al Bacio

• Sunset Bar

• Magic Edge™ Dining Pods

• Top-Deck Bar & Grill

All meals will be included, featuring regionally inspired menus made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
The onboard experience will emphasize destination immersion, live music, local performances, cultural lectures, and culinary demonstrations — blending luxury with authentic European atmosphere.

Itineraries: Danube & Rhine Rivers

The inaugural 2027 season will feature 33 seven-night itineraries along the Danube River and Rhine River.

Highlights include:

• “The Danube — Budapest & Vienna”: Budapest, Bratislava, Hainburg, Vienna, Wachau Valley (Melk & Dürnstein), and Vilshofen

• “The Danube — Vienna & Budapest”: Salzburg, Grein, Dürnstein, and Tulln

• Rhine Holiday & New Year Voyages: Nuremberg to Amsterdam or Basel to Cologne

In addition to regular itineraries, Celebrity will offer Christmas Market Cruises, allowing guests to experience Europe’s festive traditions in destinations such as Nuremberg, Vienna, Passau, and Cologne.

Every sailing will include one daily guided shore excursion, along with optional premium experiences such as wine tastings in Austria, cycling tours along the Danube, and thermal spa visits in Budapest.

Celebrity also plans to introduce pre- and post-cruise extensions in Prague, Budapest, and other major European cities by 2026.

What’s Included in a Celebrity River Cruise

• All gourmet meals and 24/7 dining access

• Classic beverage package (premium for suites)

• Wi-Fi throughout the ship

• One guided excursion per port

• Daily housekeeping and turndown service

• Cultural enrichment programs and entertainment

• Port fees and taxes included

• Complimentary minibar in every cabin

Excluded: gratuities (estimated $18–$23 per guest per night depending on category).

Pricing, Deposits & Booking

Pricing begins at approximately $2,999 per person for River View cabins and reaches up to $6,899 per person for Vista Balcony Suites on seven-night sailings.
A 10% deposit is required to book, with final payment due 120 days prior to departure.

While the initial priority booking period sold out in just six minutes, there is still limited availability for 2027 sailings, especially for early and holiday departures.

FAQs: Celebrity River Cruises (2027)

Are gratuities included?
No. Current guidance suggests $18 pp/night (River View), $19 (Infinite Balcony/Balcony), $23 (Suites). Budget $126–$161 pp for 7 nights.

What’s the price range?
From ≈$2,999 pp (River View) to ≈$6,899 pp (Vista Balcony Suite) for 7 nights, including meals, drinks package, Wi-Fi, and one shore excursion per port.

Solo travelers?
Yes—single supplements apply.

Dress code?
Day: casual/comfortable. Evenings: smart casual. No formalwear required.

Minimum age?
4+ on embarkation day. Guests 4–18 share with a parent; 18+ may book their own stateroom.

Deposit & final payment?
10% deposit (refundable or non-refundable options); final payment 120 days before sailing. I highly recommend travel insurance.

Is it sold out?
Despite a six-minute site crash at priority launch, there is still 2027 availability—but popular dates and categories are booking quickly.

Should You Book Celebrity’s Inaugural Season?

If you love modern design, flexible dining, and outdoor spaces—and you’re curious how Celebrity’s ocean luxurytranslates to Europe’s rivers—this is your moment. Being among the first guests on Compass or Seeker means experiencing brand-new ships with industry-first features.

Ready to Plan? I’ll Handle Everything.

I’m Oksana, a River Cruise Specialist. I’ll help you compare Celebrity vs Viking vs AmaWaterways vs Avalon vs Uniworld vs Scenic/Emerald/Amadeus/Viva/Riverside, pick the right itinerary, cabin, and season, and manage every detail—from flights and insurance to pre-/post-stays.

👉 Start your river cruise plan here:
Inquiry Form: https://www.signaturerivercruiseplanners.com/inquiry
Email: info@stravelplanners.com • Call/Text: 630-504-2040