Guests sailing with Celebrity River Cruises will soon have a new way to extend their European vacation before or after their cruise.
Starting today, the cruise line has opened bookings for its new Before and After Stays, a collection of fully hosted two- and three-night land experiences designed to complement its river cruise itineraries. The program will debut with stays in Prague and Budapest for 2027 sailings before expanding to Amsterdam and Lausanne in 2028.
Rather than simply adding a hotel stay before embarkation or after disembarkation, Celebrity is positioning the program as an extension of its onboard experience, combining guided sightseeing, local experts, premium accommodations, and transportation into one seamless package.
“Our Before and After Stays are more than an extension of a Celebrity River Cruises vacation,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “These stays are designed to deepen connection—to the cities, to the people who bring them to life, and to each other.”
Celebrity aims to offer a more immersive land experience
Each Before and After Stay includes one Discovery Collection tour per day, Celebrity River Cruises’ premium collection of shore experiences designed to showcase each destination through its history, food, art, and culture.
Instead of following one fixed itinerary, guests can choose from at least three themed excursions each day, allowing them to customize their experience based on their interests.
The experiences are led by Local Storytellers, who are local experts that guide small groups beyond the city’s most recognizable landmarks to explore the traditions, neighborhoods, and experiences that define everyday life.
Guests will also have access to Destination Insiders, local experts who can recommend authentic restaurants, attractions, and hidden gems throughout their stay.
Celebrity shared several examples of what travelers can expect.
In Amsterdam, guests can join a contemporary artist for a tour of the city’s vibrant street art scene before creating their own mural using spray paint. The experience explores Amsterdam’s creative districts while giving travelers the opportunity to become part of the city’s artistic culture.
Meanwhile, Prague offers several distinct experiences depending on guests’ interests. History enthusiasts can follow the trail of alchemists and ancient scholars through Gothic streets and hidden symbols or venture underground to explore medieval fortifications, secret bunkers, and Cold War shelters. Travelers looking to experience Czech culture through food and drink can instead visit historic taverns while learning about the city’s centuries-old beer traditions.
Hotels, breakfast, and transfers are included
Celebrity says the new program is designed to eliminate much of the planning that typically comes with extending a European vacation.
Each Before and After Stay includes premium or ultra-premium hotel accommodations in centrally located properties, daily breakfast, transfers between the hotel and the ship, and guided sightseeing. Guests won’t need to coordinate hotels or transportation themselves, and optional premium experiences will also be available for travelers looking for even deeper exploration.
The cruise line says the goal is to provide the same service-focused experience guests receive onboard while giving them additional time to experience Europe’s cities before or after their river cruise.
Part of Celebrity’s growing river cruise expansion
The launch of Before and After Stays comes as Celebrity River Cruises continues building out its new European river cruise program.
Celebrity plans to operate 33 river sailings in 2027 before expanding to 160 sailings in 2028. Those itineraries will visit more than 50 destinations along the Rhine and Danube rivers, allowing travelers to explore both iconic cities and smaller towns throughout Europe.
Bookings for Before and After Stays are now open for eligible 2027 and 2028 Celebrity River Cruises sailings.
About Celebrity River Cruises
Celebrity Cruises announced its entry into the river cruise market in 2025, marking the company’s first expansion beyond ocean cruising. The new brand will initially focus on the Rhine and Danube rivers with a fleet of purpose-built ships designed to bring Celebrity’s premium cruise experience to Europe’s inland waterways.
The first Celebrity River Cruises sailings are scheduled to begin in 2027, with rapid expansion planned through 2028 as additional ships enter service. The cruise line has said its river cruises will emphasize destination-focused itineraries, locally inspired experiences, and the elevated service the brand is known for onboard its ocean fleet.
