After decades of redefining luxury at sea, Celebrity Cruises is bringing their signature elevated experience to Europe's most iconic rivers.
With the launch of Celebrity River Cruises in August 2027, the cruise line that transformed ocean travel is now set to revolutionize river cruising with two groundbreaking ships: Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker.
Celebrity is reimagining what luxury river cruising can be, combining the intimacy and cultural immersion that river travel offers with the sophisticated amenities, innovative design, and exceptional service that have made Celebrity a standout in ocean cruising.
Meet the Fleet: Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker
Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker represent a completely fresh approach to river ship design, purpose-built for the unique challenges and opportunities of European river cruising. Launching in August 2027, these sister ships will initially focus on the Danube and Rhine rivers, bringing Celebrity's "Modern Luxury" philosophy to some of Europe's most culturally rich waterways.
What sets these ships apart starts with their engineering. The innovative lightweight hull design allows for superior navigation in varying water conditions, meaning fewer itinerary disruptions and smoother sailing even when river levels drop. The sleek, contemporary profile manages to turn heads while respecting the scale and history of the centuries-old rivers they'll navigate.
This isn't just about looking good, it's about creating a more reliable, sustainable way to explore Europe's rivers that enhances rather than detracts from the destinations themselves.
Revolutionary Design Features That Change Everything
Skylight Infinite Balcony Suites: A River Cruise First
The crown jewel of Celebrity's river cruise innovation is undoubtedly the Skylight Infinite Balcony Suite, a stateroom concept that has never been seen before on European rivers:
- First-ever ceiling windows that open to reveal the night sky or close for complete privacy, giving guests control over their connection to the outdoors
- Floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the ever-changing riverbank views, creating a seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces
- Balconies that are seamlessly integrated into the room design, eliminating the typical barrier between indoor and outdoor living
- Generous 233 square feet of space featuring king-size beds, spa-inspired bathrooms, and thoughtful storage solutions
- Butler service included as standard, a level of personalized attention unprecedented in river cruising
- Personalized minibar and in-room amenities that reflect the destinations being visited
Expansive Open Decks and 360-Degree Views
While many river ships feel cramped and closed-in, Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker prioritize outdoor space and panoramic views. The outer decks offer significantly more outdoor space than traditional river vessels, with areas that remain open and accessible throughout the day and evening. The top deck features both a restaurant and bar alongside an infinity-edge pool that creates a visual connection to the river flowing alongside.
This design philosophy extends beyond simple space allocation. Every outdoor area has been conceived as a "front-row seat" to Europe's most breathtaking landscapes, whether that's watching the sunrise over the Danube's vineyard-covered hills or observing medieval castles perched along the Rhine's dramatic gorges. The 360-degree views mean that no matter where guests choose to spend their time, they're connected to the constantly changing scenery that makes river cruising so special.
Accommodations: Five Stateroom Categories Redefined
Suite Options That Set New Standards
Celebrity's suite experience on the river takes personalized service to new heights:
- Vista Balcony Suites span 258 square feet with separate living and sleeping areas that provide flexibility for relaxation and entertainment
- Dedicated butler service handles everything from unpacking and packing to dinner reservations and shore excursion bookings
- Spacious bathrooms feature dual-faucet sinks and premium amenities that rival high-end hotels
- Complimentary laundry service once per voyage and priority booking for both specialty dining and shore excursions
- Exclusive suite guest happy hour and specialty dining experiences create additional opportunities for connection
- Premium drink package and personalized minibar ensure that every preference is anticipated and met
Stateroom Categories Built for Comfort
Every stateroom category on Celebrity's river ships reflects a fundamental rethinking of what river cruise accommodations can offer. Balcony staterooms, ranging from 211 to 225 square feet, feature private verandas with seating for two and direct access to Europe's iconic riverscapes. The innovative Infinite Balcony staterooms offer 173 to 179 square feet of space with wall-to-wall windows that lower at the touch of a button, inviting fresh air and new views without requiring guests to step outside.
Even the entry-level River View staterooms, at 157 square feet, feel anything but standard thanks to clean lines, soothing textures, and generous natural light. Every stateroom features king-size beds with premium linens, spacious bathrooms with oversized showers, and thoughtful storage solutions that make the most of every inch. In-room filtered water, complimentary continental breakfast service, and ambient soundscapes create a sanctuary that guests will look forward to returning to each evening.
Culinary Excellence: Six Dining Venues
Dynamic Dining Experience
Celebrity River Cruises offers the most comprehensive dining program on European rivers, with six distinct venues that provide flexibility and variety throughout each day:
- Six dining options with flexible all-day access, eliminating the rigid meal times common on river ships
- Menus that evolve with the itinerary, incorporating local ingredients and regional specialties as the ship moves through different countries
- 24-hour dining availability, a rarity in river cruising that ensures guests can dine according to their own schedule
- Locally baked morning pastries and regionally inspired dinners that bring authentic destination flavors onboard
- Comprehensive healthy dining options that cater to various dietary preferences and restrictions
- Continental breakfast available in every stateroom, allowing for private morning moments with river views
Beverage Program with Regional Flair
The beverage experience on Celebrity River Cruises reflects the same attention to regional authenticity that defines the culinary program. Local wine selections highlight the famous wine regions along the Danube and Rhine, from Austrian Rieslings to German Gewürztraminers, while the cocktail program features regional spirits and traditional preparations that connect to the cultural heritage of each destination.
New venues making their river debut include a sophisticated top-deck bar and lounge that takes advantage of the expanded outdoor space, while beloved Celebrity favorites like Martini Bar, Café al Bacio, and Sunset Bar bring familiar touchstones to the river experience. Suite guests enjoy a premium beverage package as part of their accommodation, while stateroom guests receive a classic beverage package that covers select wines, beers, cocktails, coffee, and soft drinks throughout their journey.
Destinations and Itineraries: Danube and Rhine Focus
2027 Danube Itineraries
Celebrity's inaugural river cruise program focuses on the Danube's most compelling segments, with carefully crafted itineraries that balance iconic cities with hidden gems:
- Vienna & Budapest route offers 7 days of imperial grandeur, flowing through vineyard-lined hills and castle-crowned ridges
- Budapest & Vienna reverse routing provides a different perspective on the same remarkable destinations
- Christmas Markets sailings celebrate Europe's most magical season with overnight stays timed for optimal market exploration
- Overnight stays in major cities like Vienna and Budapest allow for deeper cultural exploration beyond typical day visits
- Scenic Wachau Valley sailing showcases UNESCO World Heritage landscapes at their most beautiful
- Curated shore excursions focus on authentic local experiences rather than rushed sightseeing
Rhine River Cruising
The Rhine itineraries capture the river's romantic essence while providing access to some of Europe's most culturally rich regions. New Year's celebrations from Nuremberg to Amsterdam combine festive onboard events with the excitement of ringing in the new year while exploring historic cities. Holiday sailings from Nuremberg to Basel emphasize peaceful cultural moments and cozy seasonal traditions, with Christmas Eve spent on the river and Christmas Day in the charming city of Würzburg.
Basel to Amsterdam New Year's journeys showcase the Rhine's incredible diversity, from the Black Forest's mysterious beauty to the sophisticated charm of Alsace, concluding with Amsterdam's world-class museums and vibrant café culture. Castle-crowned towns and vineyard-laced hills provide a constantly changing backdrop, while access to legendary regions like the Black Forest and Alsace offers opportunities for authentic cultural encounters that go well beyond typical tourist experiences.
What's Included: Exceptional Value Proposition
Comprehensive Inclusions
Celebrity River Cruises includes more in the base fare than most competitors, creating exceptional value for the level of luxury provided:
- All meals across six dining venues, eliminating the need to budget separately for specialty dining experiences
- Select wines, beer, cocktails, coffee, and soft drinks throughout the day, with upgrade options available for premium selections
- One shore excursion per day with choice of options, ensuring that every guest can explore destinations according to their interests
- Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the journey, maintaining connection when desired while encouraging digital detox when preferred
- Stocked minibar with destination-inspired touches that reflect local flavors and specialties
- Daily housekeeping and turndown service that maintains hotel-level cleanliness and comfort standards
Unique Celebrity Touches
Beyond the comprehensive inclusions, Celebrity River Cruises offers services and experiences that simply aren't available elsewhere in river cruising. Pre and post-cruise stays in iconic cities like Prague and Budapest are seamlessly arranged with the same attention to detail found onboard, allowing guests to extend their European adventure with confidence in Celebrity's curation and service standards.
Captain's Club loyalty benefits extend to river cruises, meaning that Celebrity's most loyal guests can continue earning points and enjoying recognition in this new environment. Access to select spas and gyms on shore provides opportunities for wellness and fitness that complement the onboard experience, while comprehensive concierge service handles everything from special occasion arrangements to last-minute plan changes with professional expertise.
Shore Experiences: Deep Cultural Immersion
Celebrity's approach to shore excursions emphasizes authentic cultural connections over superficial sightseeing. Private wine tastings in Austria's renowned Wachau Valley provide intimate access to family-owned wineries that have been producing wine for generations. The thermal baths experience in Budapest goes beyond typical tourist visits, incorporating historical context and local customs that transform relaxation into cultural education.
Cycling along the Danube riverbanks offers a pace of exploration that matches the contemplative nature of river cruising, allowing guests to cover more ground while maintaining intimate contact with the landscapes and communities along the route. Local storytelling sessions connect guests with residents whose families have shaped these river communities for centuries, providing perspectives and insights that bring history to life in personal, memorable ways. Small town discoveries extend beyond the famous cities, revealing hidden gems that feel like personal discoveries and create the kind of authentic travel memories that last a lifetime.
Innovation and Sustainability
The lightweight hull design that distinguishes Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker isn't just about improved performance. It's about creating a more sustainable approach to river cruising that respects both the environment and the historic waterways these ships will navigate. Superior engineering translates to fewer itinerary disruptions, which means more time in destinations and less disappointment when water levels fluctuate.
The “connection without compromise” philosophy extends to environmental responsibility, with advanced systems that minimize the ships' impact on the delicate river ecosystems while maximizing guests' connection to the natural beauty surrounding them. Every design decision, from the choice of materials to the configuration of public spaces, reflects Celebrity's commitment to creating experiences that enhance rather than detract from the destinations they visit.
Ready to Experience the Future of River Cruising?
When these revolutionary ships launch in August 2027, they'll set new standards that other river cruise lines will spend years trying to match. The limited capacity of river ships means that availability will be precious, especially for the most desirable sailing dates and stateroom categories.
Don't miss your chance to be part of this historic launch. Book your river cruise through CruiseDirect and secure your place aboard these game-changing ships. Celebrity River Cruises offers the perfect combination of destination immersion and onboard luxury that will redefine your expectations of what river cruising can be.
