Celebrity River Cruises: Ships, Itineraries & What to Expect in 2027
Celebrity Cruises, known for its stylish ocean ships and premium service, is making waves in a new space—river cruising. In a major announcement earlier this year, Celebrity revealed plans to launch Celebrity River Cruises, a brand-new river line debuting in 2027. With 10 sleek vessels on order and a promise to bring the “Celebrity experience” to Europe’s rivers, this move could reshape the premium river cruise market.
Here’s everything we know so far about the ships, itineraries, onboard experience, pricing, and how Celebrity plans to stand out.
The Ships: Sleek, Modern, and Built for the Rivers
Celebrity has commissioned 10 new river ships from TeamCo Shipyard in the Netherlands. These won’t be repurposed vessels—they’re purpose-built, and two are scheduled to debut in 2027, with more rolling out annually after that.
Key Ship Features:
- Passenger Capacity: ~180 guests per ship
- Design: Inspired by Celebrity’s Edge-class ocean ships
- Panoramic 360° Windows: Floor-to-ceiling views throughout
- Open Decks: Revolutionary feature for river cruising
- Modern Amenities: Stylish lounges, multiple dining venues, wellness facilities
Celebrity is bringing its signature look to the rivers: elegant interiors, sleek bars, and airy public spaces filled with natural light. Expect a fresh, upscale vibe more aligned with a boutique hotel than traditional river ships.
The Experience: What to Expect Onboard
Celebrity promises to deliver the same “Nothing Comes Close” hospitality on the river as they do at sea. Think:
- Personalized service with a high staff-to-guest ratio
- Award-winning cuisine with locally inspired menus
- Lively but refined atmosphere with lounges and wellness spaces
- Immersive excursions that dig deep into culture, food, and history
Dining will be a major highlight. Celebrity has emphasized multiple restaurants and regional cuisine that adapts to the journey—so don’t be surprised if your menu features Hungarian goulash one night and Austrian schnitzel the next.
And while many river cruise lines are adults-only, Celebrity is expected to be more family-friendly, possibly welcoming children as young as four.
Where They’re Going: Iconic European Rivers
Celebrity’s first ships will sail the Danube River, one of Europe’s most legendary waterways. Over time, itineraries will expand to include the Rhine, Rhône, and other top rivers across the continent.
Expected highlights include:
- Budapest, Hungary
- Vienna, Austria
- Bratislava, Slovakia
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Lyon & Avignon, France
Celebrity has already secured docking slots in high-demand cities, ensuring guests won’t miss out on the best ports due to overcrowding.
Pricing & Booking Timeline
Bookings for Celebrity River Cruises will open sometime in 2025. While pricing hasn’t been released, it’s expected to align with premium river lines like AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways.
Typical river cruises in this tier run:
- $300–$500 per person, per day
- Often all-inclusive: meals, drinks, excursions, Wi-Fi
Given Celebrity’s reputation and offerings, anticipate a similar or slightly higher pricing range—with luxury touches baked in.
How It Compares: Celebrity vs. The Competition
Celebrity is joining a crowded field that includes:
- Viking River Cruises (70+ ships)
- AmaWaterways (wellness-focused, family-owned)
- Avalon Waterways (suite-focused, casual luxury)
What Sets Celebrity Apart:
| Feature | Celebrity River Cruises | Viking | AmaWaterways | Avalon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ship Style | Sleek, open-deck modern design | Scandinavian classic | Boutique + wellness | Suite-focused |
| Dining | Multiple restaurants, local cuisine | 1 main restaurant | 4 venues on some ships | Open dining |
| Target Market | Ocean cruisers, modern travelers | Cultural enrichment | Active luxury | Casual upscale |
| Kids Allowed | Likely yes (age 4+) | No (18+ only) | Yes (limited) | Yes (12+) |
Celebrity’s biggest advantage? Their loyal base of ocean cruisers, many of whom already enjoy the brand’s premium vibe. If you’re a Celebrity fan looking for a fresh, intimate experience on Europe’s rivers, this might be your next favorite vacation
Sources Used
- Celebrity Cruises official press releases
- Travel + Leisure
- Cruise Industry News
- Cruise Fever
- Seatrade Cruise News
- QuirkyCruise
- Forbes Travel
- Interviews with Celebrity executives