Celebrity Cruises, long known for its upscale ocean voyages, is preparing to sail into new waters—literally. The premium cruise brand has announced it’s entering the European river cruise market with Celebrity River Cruises, a new offering designed to bring the line’s signature service and sophistication to the rivers of Europe.
While full details are still to come, Celebrity has confirmed plans to build 10 ships for this new venture, with the first setting sail in 2027. Bookings are expected to open in June or July 2025.
The new river ships—currently under construction in Holland—will be brand-new builds designed specifically for European waterways. These vessels will take design cues from Celebrity’s modern and award-winning Edge-class ocean ships, blending high-style with the flexibility needed for river travel. The first two 180-passenger vessels are expected to debut in 2027, with plans to expand the fleet by four new ships each year thereafter.
“It’s a bold step that positions us to lead in an exciting, fast-growing segment of the travel market and win a greater share in the $2 trillion vacation market,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, when the new product was first announced.
Liberty also noted that this expansion isn’t about copying competitors. “This is not about chasing Viking customers. This is about leveraging our customers and keeping them in our ecosystem. We then get more repeat guests that are happy and support us because they trust us.”
This move puts Celebrity in direct conversation with some of the biggest names in the European river cruise space—Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, and Uniworld, to name a few. Even Disney has gotten into the game, offering themed river cruise itineraries for families aboard AmaWaterways ships.
But Celebrity isn’t trying to copy what’s already out there. According to the cruise line, this new chapter will reflect the same high-touch, modern experience guests have come to expect from its ocean ships—only on a smaller, more intimate scale tailored to Europe’s rivers.
The new line promises a premium experience, from locally inspired cuisine to panoramic views from guest staterooms. Personalized service and immersive shore excursions will also be a hallmark of the experience—something Celebrity refers to as “The Celebrity Way.”
Because ship size must adapt to river infrastructure, these vessels will be smaller and built specifically to navigate Europe’s most iconic rivers and historic cities. While no specific rivers or itineraries have been confirmed yet, it’s a safe bet that guests will see routes along the Danube, Rhine, Seine, and possibly the Douro.
River cruising has traditionally appealed to older travelers, thanks to its slower pace, scenic routes, and cultural depth. But that’s starting to shift. As more cruise lines introduce modern ships, family-friendly amenities, and curated excursions, river cruising is becoming an increasingly appealing option for younger generations and even families. It’s on our list, too—there’s something exciting about sailing straight into the heart of historic European cities without the stress of trains, transfers, or packing and repacking. For us, it feels like the perfect way to explore more of Europe together, one city at a time.
More information, including ship specs and itineraries, is expected to be released over the coming months.
