What You Need to Know About Celebrity's New River Cruises

Long considered a niche, river cruising is now one of travel's fastest-growing segments. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reports that the market has expanded at an annual rate of 10% to 15% over the past decade, with growing appeal among younger travelers. Once the domain of a handful of specialty operators, it's now drawing the attention of major cruise lines. Celebrity Cruises, traditionally an ocean cruise line, is the latest to step in, announcing the debut of two 172-guest river ships — Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker — in 2027. The company has placed an initial order for 10 ships, signaling its long-term commitment to the expanding river cruise market.

With interest in river cruising on the rise, Celebrity expects strong demand from both loyal ocean cruisers and first-timers. "With about half of our guests having already experienced or intending to take a river cruise, we know they're going to love vacationing on Europe's rivers the 'Celebrity way,'" Katina Athanasiou, the cruise line's vice president of services and sales, tells ShermansTravel. 

Asked what the "Celebrity way" is, Athanasiou describes it as the brand's commitment to "true hospitality at its finest," a philosophy centered on elevating every detail of the journey. "Our guests are our North Star," she explained. By bringing its signature style of hospitality to the Rhine and Danube, Celebrity joins a growing number of cruise lines, such as Uniworld and Avalon Waterways, in reimagining what it means to explore Europe by river. Here's what you need to know — and what you can expect when its ships set sail in 2027.

Indoor-Outdoor Design

The new vessels borrow heavily from Celebrity's Edge Series, known for its seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living. On the rivers, that translates to expansive open decks with uninterrupted views, shaded seating areas, and even a plunge pool suspended above the waterline. The brand's hallmark Magic Carpet platform (an open-air deck that glides up and down the ship’s exterior) has also been reimagined for the waterways as the Magic Edge — intimate dining pods that cantilever dramatically over the river. As Athanasiou explained, the goal is to deliver "the best of our Edge Series ocean ships combined with European charm."

Staterooms are designed to feel more like hotel rooms than typical ship cabins, with king beds standard across all categories. Celebrity’s Infinite Veranda cabins, first seen on its ocean fleet, will debut on the river, where guests can press a button to lower a floor-to-ceiling window, turning the entire room into an open-air balcony. The line is also introducing the first-ever Skylight Infinite Balcony Suites, which feature a separate living area and dramatic skylights that flood the space with natural light. These suites will also feature added perks, such as butler service and room service — an amenity not typically found on European river cruises — adding an extra layer of indulgence.

Other categories also bring the outdoors in. Vista Balcony Suites and Balcony Staterooms provide private al fresco space for morning coffee or evening wine, while River View Staterooms maximize natural light for a serene retreat. "These staterooms allow guests to bring the outside world in," Athanasiou noted, "which is especially powerful when sailing through Europe's most scenic landscapes."

Food That Reflects the Route

According to the World Food Travel Association, more than a third of U.S. travelers now choose destinations for the food. Celebrity has long made dining a centerpiece of its ocean ships, from specialty restaurants to partnerships with acclaimed chefs like Daniel Boulud. That same emphasis will now extend to its river fleet.

Onboard, guests can choose from eight different restaurants and bars, an unusually wide array for a river cruise, with favorites like the Martini Bar, Sunset Bar, and Café al Bacio, alongside regionally inspired menus that evolve with each stop.

"Teams are partnering with regional producers to develop menus that evolve throughout each itinerary," Athanasiou tells ShermansTravel. "It's about immersing guests in local delicacies while delivering the service Celebrity is known for."

Sailings Along the Rhine and Danube

Celebrity's inaugural 2027 season features 33 week-long sailings along the Rhine and Danube. Itineraries combine marquee cities with smaller towns, featuring overnight stays in hubs like Budapest and Vienna, along with daytime visits to places such as Germany's Wachau Valley and Bavarian river villages. Some routes will include multiple ports in a single day to maximize time ashore.

Immersive Excursions

Instead of basic bus tours, which are often included on most river lines, Celebrity opted to feature more locally rooted experiences. For example, guests may opt to sip their way through private wine tastings in Austria, soak in Budapest's thermal baths, or cycle along the banks of the Danube. More information on excursions is set to be announced in early 2026.

Environmental Considerations

Sustainability is another Celebrity cornerstone. More than three-quarters of Americans (83%) now say they want to travel more sustainably, according to a 2024 Booking.com study, and Celebrity's new ships reflect that shift. "Every decision, from hull design to shore power capability, reflects that responsibility," Athanasiou noted. Engines can run partly on electric power, advanced systems treat and reduce waste, and ships will be able to plug into local grids while docked — all aimed at lowering their environmental footprint.

How to Book

Bookings for the inaugural 2027 season are now open. Travelers can reserve their place on board with a refundable $500 deposit, and extended pre- and post-cruise stays in cities like Prague and Budapest will be available starting in 2026. Each itinerary spans seven nights, with prices starting at $3,949 per person. At the time of publication, the cruise line was offering 75% off the second guest on non-refundable bookings. Gratuities are not included and cost about $250 per room, depending on the itinerary price. Guests who choose refundable deposit rates can cancel up to 120 days prior to departure for a full refund; however, these fares are significantly higher — approximately $2,000 more per stateroom.