Celebrity Cruises will make its debut on Europe’s rivers with the launch of Celebrity River Cruises, and new details have just been revealed.
Beginning September 3, 2025, at 9 a.m. EDT, Celebrity cruisers can secure priority booking access for the line’s highly anticipated 2027 inaugural season.
This expansion marks a milestone for the premium cruise brand, as Celebrity prepares to bring its acclaimed ocean cruise experience to Europe’s most iconic waterways, including the Danube and Rhine rivers.
Starting September 3, guests can place a fully refundable $500 deposit to gain Priority Booking Access to Celebrity’s first-ever river cruise itineraries and staterooms. This exclusive booking window opens two years before general reservations are available, giving early bookers first choice of accommodations and voyage details.
Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, shared:
“We are excited to offer guests the chance to experience the first-ever Celebrity River Cruises vacations in 2027 with Priority Booking Access. Guests will enjoy the warm hospitality Celebrity is known for, on innovative ships, with land experiences unlike any other, as we set sail on Europe’s iconic Danube and Rhine rivers.”
More details were announced about Celebrity River Cruises
Celebrity River Cruises will merge the sophisticated design of the Edge Series ocean ships with the intimacy and charm of European river vessels. Each ship is being designed to maximize the breathtaking scenery with 360-degree views.
Highlights of the new river cruise experience include:
- All-inclusive fares covering meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, onboard experiences, and a daily shore excursion
- Locally inspired cuisine paired with “The Celebrity Way” of service
- Immersive itineraries sailing through historic European cities
- Optional pre- and post-cruise stays in Prague and Budapest, available when bookings fully open in 2026
River cruising has surged in popularity over the past decade, and Celebrity’s entry into the market adds a new premium player known for modern design, culinary excellence, and attentive service. With ships built for scenic immersion and a pricing model that simplifies the travel experience, Celebrity is aiming to stand out in a competitive market dominated by established river lines.
For fans of the brand, this is a chance to experience Europe’s rivers with the same elevated style and service that Celebrity loyalists enjoy on ocean voyages.
How to reserve Priority Booking Access
Travelers can lock in early access to Celebrity’s 2027 river cruises with a fully refundable $500 deposit, giving them the first opportunity to view itineraries and stateroom details ahead of the general public.
Although the deposit doesn’t guarantee a specific ship, stateroom, or itinerary, it does guarantee priority access when those details are released in 2026. River cruises typically feature smaller ships with fewer staterooms than ocean vessels, meaning popular itineraries and cabin categories can sell out quickly.
By placing a deposit, you’ll be first in line to choose your sailing, itinerary, and stateroom before reservations open to the wider public. And because the $500 is fully refundable, there’s little risk in securing your place early. The cruise line states that Priority Booking Access is limited, so it’s important to secure your reservation if you’re interested.
According to Celebrity Cruises, guests on the Priority Booking Access list will be notified once it’s time to turn their deposit into a confirmed reservation. At that stage, they’ll be able to book through a Celebrity River Cruises representative or their preferred travel advisor, with additional details to be shared closer to the date.
Travelers interested in early access can place a deposit beginning September 3 in one of four ways:
- Visiting celebritycruises.com/river
- Calling Celebrity River Cruises experts at 1-833-474-8803
- Booking onboard at Future Cruise
- Contacting a trusted travel advisor
