Celebrity River Cruises
An ocean cruise favorite takes to the rivers in 2027. Here is what has been announced.
Ask About Celebrity River CruisesLast updated October 2026. New-ship dates and deployments come from cruise line announcements and industry coverage and can change. Where a detail has not been announced, we say TBA.
Celebrity Cruises, part of Royal Caribbean Group, is one of the best-known names in ocean cruising. In 2027 it becomes the biggest newcomer to river cruising in years, under the name Celebrity River Cruises. Here is what has been announced so far, and what it might mean for you.
The Ships
The first two ships are Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker. Each has 86 staterooms in five categories, including River View cabins, Infinite Balcony staterooms, Skylight Infinite Balcony Suites and Vista Balcony Suites. Celebrity has said it has ordered ten river ships in total.
Design features announced include “Magic Edge” dining pods cantilevered out over the river, an infinity-edge plunge pool, top-deck bars, open decks with 360-degree views, and a lightweight hull with hybrid propulsion. Celebrity has also announced round-the-clock access to food, which is unusual on a river ship.
Where and When They Sail
Celebrity’s inaugural program has 33 seven-night sailings on the Rhine and Danube. Travel trade coverage reports Celebrity Compass debuting in August 2027 and Celebrity Seeker in October 2027. Routes announced include Amsterdam round trips and Basel to Amsterdam on the Rhine, Vienna to Budapest and Budapest to Vienna on the Danube, and Christmas Markets sailings between Budapest and Nuremberg, as well as festive New Year sailings.
Suite guests are promised extras such as on-demand butler service via a “Butler Chat” feature, complimentary laundry and priority shore excursion reservations.
What It Means for River Cruisers
- A familiar brand for ocean cruisers: past Celebrity guests may find river cruising an easier first step with a name they know.
- More choice on the classic routes: Celebrity joins established lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon, Uniworld, Scenic, Emerald and Tauck on the Rhine and Danube.
- Strong early demand: Celebrity reported its initial inventory was reserved within hours of priority booking opening, so first-season choice may be limited.
- Unknowns: as with any new product, onboard details can evolve before launch.
Celebrity or an Established River Line?
If you love Celebrity at sea and want its style on a river, the newcomer may suit you. If you want a long track record on the rivers, an established line may feel safer for a first trip. Our cruise advisors can compare Celebrity’s sailings with similar dates on other lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Celebrity start river cruising?
In 2027. Celebrity Compass is reported to debut in August 2027 and Celebrity Seeker in October 2027, sailing the Rhine and Danube.
How big are Celebrity’s river ships?
Each has 86 staterooms, which works out to around 172 guests at double occupancy.
Will Celebrity sail rivers outside Europe?
Royal Caribbean Group’s chief executive has said Celebrity will have river ships around the world, not just in Europe. No non-European rivers have been announced yet.
Is it like a Celebrity ocean cruise?
It shares the brand’s style and some familiar names, such as Café al Bacio and a Martini Bar, but on a small ship that docks in town centers. Expect a very different, more intimate experience.
Interested in Celebrity River Cruises?
Tell us your preferred river and month. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will check Celebrity availability and compare it with similar sailings on other lines.
Ask About Celebrity River Cruises