Celebrity Cruises is preparing to enter the river cruise market, expanding its luxury offerings beyond the open sea.
Although a recent announcement was made by the cruise line confirming Celebrity’s expansion into the river cruise market in 2027, details about itineraries have yet to be shared. Celebrity Cruises plans to bring the brand’s signature style and service to some of Europe’s most iconic waterways.
Celebrity’s entry into the river cruise market could redefine the premium river cruising experience, blending the intimacy of river travel with the luxury and innovation the brand is known for.
The cruise line mentioned bringing signature experiences from its award-winning Edge class ships to the river vessels. Because of size restrictions, river cruise ships feature fewer amenities and entertainment offerings. It will be interesting to see how Celebrity incorporates these elements into a much smaller vessel.
Booking expected to open in July 2025
While the cruise line has yet to make an official announcement, information shared by crew members onboard suggests that bookings will be available as early as July 2025.
This aligns with Celebrity’s original announcement, which hinted at itineraries being released during the summer. Those eager to be among the first to experience Celebrity’s river cruises are encouraged to stay updated via Celebrity’s website and social media channels.
A new era of river cruising for Celebrity Cruises
If these reports hold true, Celebrity will be taking a bold step into a competitive market dominated by brands like Viking, AmaWaterways, and Avalon Waterways. This would be the first time the premium cruise line, known for its innovative Edge Series cruise ships, will introduce an entirely new fleet designed specifically for river cruising.
Celebrity Cruises stated the river cruise experience will maintain Celebrity’s signature modern luxury, featuring sophisticated design, locally inspired culinary experiences, and immersive shore excursions.
The fleet is expected to consist of smaller vessels tailored for navigating Europe’s winding rivers while offering a level of comfort comparable to Celebrity’s ocean liners. There are 10 vessels planned for the initial launch of Celebrity’s river ships.
Which rivers will Celebrity Cruises explore?
While official itineraries have not been revealed, sources suggest that initial routes will include some of the most popular European rivers, such as:
- The Danube River: Offering sailings through cultural hotspots like Budapest, Vienna, and Bratislava.
- The Rhine River: Exploring charming German towns, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.
- The Seine River: A Paris-to-Normandy route that highlights France’s rich history and landscapes.
It remains to be seen whether Celebrity Cruises will focus solely on European rivers or eventually expand into Asia or South America, where river cruising has also gained popularity.
What this news means for cruise enthusiasts
Celebrity Cruises is disrupting the river cruise market with its bold entry. This could signal a shift in the cruising industry as a whole, appealing to ocean cruisers who have yet to try river cruising.
Given that nearly half of Celebrity’s past guests have expressed interest in river cruising, this expansion seems like a natural progression. Celebrity’s demographic is geared toward an older audience, which also aligns with the typical demographic of river cruising.
Additionally, it is rumored that Celebrity Cruises will integrate its loyalty program with Royal Caribbean Group’s existing offerings, allowing guests to earn and redeem points across ocean and river sailings. This would create an enticing opportunity for repeat travelers looking to explore the world through a mix of ocean and river itineraries.
