Celebrity River Cruises is bringing the contemporary luxury of Celebrity Cruises to Europe’s waterways, with its first ship, Celebrity Compass, beginning sailings in August 2027 along the Danube and Rhine. Joined by Celebrity Seeker later that year, these innovative new ships will offer a fresh way to discover Europe’s historic cities, picturesque towns and spectacular riverside landscapes.

For those already familiar with Celebrity Cruises, the new river fleet promises much of what makes the ocean experience so popular, from exceptional dining and thoughtful design to attentive service. The difference is a more intimate setting, bringing guests closer to the destinations they have travelled to explore.

Celebrity River Cruises at a Glance

FEATURE	DETAIL
First Sailing	August 2027
First Ship	Celebrity Compass
Second Ship	Celebrity Seeker (joining in 2027(
Named Fleet	Five Ships
Guests per ship	170-180
Destinations	Rhine and Danube
Cruise duration	Seven nights
Included in the fare	Dining, selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, entertainment and one shore excursion per day
Captain’s Club	Existing loyalty status recognised, with river-specific benefits

With sailings for 2027 and 2028 already available, guests can explore the new Celebrity River Cruises collection and discover what this exciting addition to river cruising has to offer.

Meet the Celebrity River Fleet

Celebrity Cruises has introduced five named river cruise ships, combining the contemporary styling of its celebrated ocean fleet with designs created specifically for Europe’s waterways.

Celebrity Compass

Leading the fleet is Celebrity Compass, the first Celebrity Cruises river ship, scheduled to welcome guests in August 2027.

Inspired by the innovative design of Celebrity’s Edge Series ocean ships, Celebrity Compass will offer expansive open decks, modern accommodation and a selection of inviting dining and social spaces.

With capacity for around 170 guests, the ship will provide a more personal cruising experience while retaining the familiar Celebrity atmosphere. Guests can look forward to exploring the Rhine and Danube, enjoying scenic cruising alongside visits to some of Europe’s most fascinating destinations.

Celebrity Seeker

Joining the fleet in October 2027, Celebrity Seeker will share many of the distinctive features found on board her sister ship.

From spacious lounges and panoramic views to contemporary suites and innovative dining experiences, Celebrity Seeker is designed to bring the surrounding landscapes into everyday life on board.

Her itineraries will also explore Europe’s famous rivers, offering guests another opportunity to experience river cruising the Celebrity way.

Celebrity Wanderer, Celebrity Roamer and Celebrity Boundless

Celebrity has also named three further ships: Celebrity Wanderer, Celebrity Roamer and Celebrity Boundless.

These additions form part of the cruise line’s wider plans to expand its river offering, giving guests more opportunities to discover Europe aboard a Celebrity ship. Further details of individual ships and their sailing programmes will continue to shape the growing collection.

What to Expect On Board

Life aboard Celebrity Cruises’ river cruise ships promises to be every bit as stylish and relaxing as guests have come to expect from the brand.

One of the most striking features is the expansive open-deck design, offering 360-degree views of the passing scenery. Whether sailing through vineyard-covered valleys or approaching a historic European city, guests will have plenty of opportunities to admire their surroundings.

Another highlight is the Magic Edge dining experience. These innovative cantilevered dining pods extend beyond the side of the ship, allowing guests to dine above the river while enjoying uninterrupted views.

An infinity-edge plunge pool, top-deck bar and inviting outdoor lounges will provide additional spaces to unwind. With fewer guests than on an ocean ship, the atmosphere will be intimate and relaxed, while still offering the elegant surroundings associated with Celebrity Cruises.

Staterooms

Accommodation on board Celebrity’s new river ships has been thoughtfully designed to combine contemporary comfort with a connection to the destinations outside.

Guests will be able to choose from five stateroom and suite categories, including River View, Infinite Balcony, Balcony, Skylight Infinite Balcony Suite and Vista Balcony Suite.

Every room will feature a king-sized bed, clever storage solutions, premium amenities and carefully considered interiors.

For those seeking something extra special, the Skylight Infinite Balcony Suites introduce a distinctive ceiling window above the bed, while Vista Balcony Suites provide additional living space.

Suite guests can also enjoy enhanced benefits, including butler service, priority shore excursion access, exclusive dining and complimentary laundry services.

Whether relaxing after a day ashore or watching the riverside scenery pass by, the accommodation is designed to make every moment of the journey feel comfortable and effortless.

Dining, The Celebrity Way

Exceptional food has long been a defining part of the Celebrity experience, and its river ships will continue that tradition.

Guests can look forward to a choice of restaurants and bars, with menus inspired by the destinations visited along the way. Regional ingredients and local flavours will play an important role, allowing the culinary experience to complement each day’s discoveries.

Familiar Celebrity favourites, including Martini Bar, Sunset Bar and Café al Bacio, will also make an appearance, bringing a little of the ocean fleet’s personality to the rivers of Europe.

Flexible dining arrangements, including a 24-hour option, will give guests the freedom to enjoy meals at their own pace. Complimentary continental breakfast in the comfort of their stateroom provides another relaxing way to begin the day.

With selected wines, beers, cocktails, coffees and soft drinks included in the cruise fare, guests can enjoy much of the onboard experience without having to think about additional costs.

Explore Europe’s Rivers with Celebrity

Celebrity’s new river cruises will focus on some of Europe’s most captivating waterways, with itineraries along the Rhine and Danube, as well as journeys incorporating the Main.

Unlike many ocean cruises, river itineraries often take guests directly into the heart of historic cities, making it easier to explore independently or join a guided excursion.

Danube River – Budapest & Vienna

A journey along the Danube offers a wonderful introduction to European river cruising.

Seven-night itineraries between Budapest and Vilshofen can include visits to Bratislava, Vienna and Melk, alongside scenic cruising through Austria’s magnificent Wachau Valley.

Discover Budapest’s impressive architecture and thermal baths, explore Vienna’s grand palaces and elegant coffee houses, or admire the vineyards and medieval villages lining the riverbanks.

Rhine River – Amsterdam & Basel

The Rhine is renowned for its fairytale castles, charming towns and dramatic landscapes.

Celebrity’s seven-night Rhine itineraries between Amsterdam and Basel offer opportunities to discover destinations such as Strasbourg, Breisach and the historic towns of Germany’s Rhine Valley.

Along the way, guests can admire hillside vineyards, explore centuries-old streets and enjoy some of Europe’s most memorable stretches of scenic cruising.

Danube Christmas Markets

For a particularly atmospheric experience, Celebrity will also offer festive itineraries along the Danube.

Sailings between Nuremberg and Budapest can include destinations such as Regensburg, Linz, Vienna and Melk, where traditional Christmas markets fill historic squares with seasonal decorations, local crafts and festive treats.

These winter journeys offer a different perspective on Europe’s rivers, combining the comforts of a luxury cruise with the magic of the festive season.

Rhine Christmas Markets

The Rhine also provides a beautiful setting for a festive river cruise.

Sailings between Basel and Amsterdam can take in Strasbourg, Speyer and other historic destinations, offering opportunities to explore Christmas markets, admire illuminated streets and discover regional traditions.

For guests who enjoy cultural experiences alongside a relaxed cruising atmosphere, these seasonal itineraries offer plenty to look forward to.

Celebrity also offers the opportunity to extend selected river holidays with pre- and post-cruise stays in destinations such as Prague, Budapest and Amsterdam, allowing additional time to explore.

River or Ocean with Celebrity: What’s Different?

For experienced Celebrity guests, river cruising could be a natural next step.

While Celebrity’s ocean cruises offer a wealth of entertainment, dining venues and resort-style facilities, its river ships will provide a more intimate experience centred on the destinations.

With around 170 guests on board, Celebrity’s river ships are considerably smaller than their ocean-going counterparts. This creates a quieter atmosphere, with fewer onboard facilities but more opportunities to enjoy the passing scenery and explore historic cities.

River cruises also tend to feature frequent port visits, often with destinations within easy reach of the ship. Ocean cruises, meanwhile, can cover greater distances and offer more extensive onboard entertainment.

Both experiences share Celebrity’s commitment to thoughtful design, exceptional dining and attentive service. The best choice simply depends on how you prefer to spend your time on holiday.

Points to Consider Before Booking

As Celebrity River Cruises is a completely new offering, there are a few things worth considering before choosing your sailing.

The first ships will not welcome guests until 2027, so there are not yet any firsthand guest reviews of the onboard experience. However, we know Celebrity well, and the planned facilities and service approach reflect many of the qualities that have made its ocean cruises so popular.

Early sailings may also have limited availability, particularly for guests interested in specific dates or suite categories.

It is also worth remembering that river ships offer a different experience from larger ocean ships. With fewer guests and a greater focus on destinations, they are particularly well suited to travellers who enjoy culture, history, scenic cruising and a relaxed onboard atmosphere.

Our Cruise Experts can help explain these differences and talk through the itineraries, accommodation and inclusions before you make a decision.

Celebrity River Cruises FAQs

Ready to Discuss Your Celebrity River Cruise?

At Bolsover Cruise Club, we know Celebrity well, and our Cruise Experts are here to help you discover whether its new river cruises are the right choice for your next holiday.

Whether you’re an experienced ocean cruiser considering your first river journey or already enjoy exploring Europe’s waterways, we can talk you through the ships, destinations and experiences available.

Call our Cruise Experts on 01246 819 819 for a friendly, no-obligation conversation about Celebrity River Cruises and start planning your next adventure.