Celebrity Cruises has announced its entry into the river cruise market with two innovative ships designed to navigate the Rhine and Danube rivers. The new Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker will begin operating in 2027, promising to transform the river cruise experience with a concept that the company calls “The Celebrity Way”.
Starting September 3, 2025, interested travelers can make a priority reservation with a refundable $500 deposit to secure a stateroom on one of these two new vessels.
According to Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, “Celebrity River Cruises ships will be the most innovative on the river, with a patent-pending industry-leading design that offers more space to vacation while bringing guests even closer to destinations.” The executive also highlighted that approximately half of their current clients have experienced or intend to take a river cruise.
Celebrity River Cruises Exterior Aft View
Features
Among the most notable features of these new ships are:
- Revolutionary open decks: They will offer the most usable outdoor space of any river ship, with uninterrupted 360-degree panoramic views.
- Magic Edge: Innovative cantilevered dining platforms that will allow passengers to enjoy local cuisine while floating above the river.
- Spacious staterooms: Five boutique stateroom categories with king-size beds in all of them, designed with a residential approach and connected to the outdoors.
- Dining experience: Eight restaurants and bars, including iconic Celebrity spaces such as the Martini Bar, Sunset Bar, and Café Al Bacio. Menus will evolve throughout each itinerary to reflect local delicacies.
The ships will also incorporate the Infinite Veranda concept, popularized on Edge Series ocean ships, which connects guests to the surrounding landscapes at the touch of a button. Additionally, they introduce a world first: Skylight Infinite Balcony Suites, which feature a separate living area and a ceiling window for unbeatable natural light.
Celebrity River Cruises Skylight Infinite Balcony Suite
Celebrity River Cruises Vista Balcony Suite
Itineraries and Sustainability
33 seven-night sailings on the Rhine and Danube will be offered, designed to immerse guests in Europe’s culture, history, and unforgettable cities. Travelers will be able to enjoy experiences such as private wine tastings in Austria, thermal baths in Budapest, or cycling along the banks of the Danube.
In line with Royal Caribbean Group’s commitment to sustainability, these ships will be equipped with state-of-the-art hybrid propulsion systems and waste management systems, along with advanced technology to reduce noise and vibration.
Priority bookings are now available, though the company advises that availability is limited.
