Celebrity Cruises has just revealed that it will enter the European river cruise market with a fleet of 10 vessels, beginning in 2027.
The line’s new brand, called Celebrity River Cruises, promises to bring the same level of “elevated design and sophistication of the Edge Series ocean ships to the river,” according to a press release from the line.
Bookings for its premium river sailings will open later this year.
Editor’s note: This article will be updated as more information about the riverboats becomes available.
“We’re thrilled to announce our entry into the river cruise market through our Celebrity Cruises premium travel brand,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of parent Royal Caribbean Group. “Our guests and travel partners should expect us to do what we do best — innovate and elevate the river cruise experience as we meet the growing demand for intimate, culturally enriching travel experiences.”
Liberty explained that about half of the company’s guests have experienced, or intend to experience, a river cruise, prompting the line to introduce its own elevated option.
“By leveraging our valuable loyalty programs across our three brands, we will deepen customer engagement and further our ability to keep guests within our ecosystem of vacation offerings,” he added. “We are the best in the world at delivering the vacation of a lifetime, and this is the latest example of how we are building the capabilities to deliver a lifetime of vacations.”
We are the best in the world at delivering the vacation of a lifetime, and this is the latest example of how we are building the capabilities to deliver a lifetime of vacations.
Celebrity says its riverboats will visit historic cities on iconic rivers while navigating unique itineraries, but the exact waterways have not yet been specified.
As for hardware, a blurry teaser image displays an exterior delineated by light, with a central signature “X” marking the spot, so to speak. Onboard, the line will deliver its “service-first approach to the river,” according to Celebrity, with 360-degree views of the surroundings. Experiences for guests will extend to regional cuisine and featured shore excursions.
“Celebrity River Cruises will bring the quality and sophistication of our Edge Series ocean ships to the most iconic rivers, starting with Europe,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “We’ve redefined travel on the ocean with our best-in-class hospitality, award-winning food and beverage experiences, and elevated design and style. We are thrilled to bring these experiences to the river and combine them with authentic, destination-rich itineraries that will give our guests an experience unlike any other.”
