Celebrity Cruises stunned the cruise world when its first-ever river cruise itineraries sold out in just six minutes. That’s right, one of the most recognized names in ocean cruising is officially venturing inland, bringing its modern luxury experience to Europe’s most iconic rivers.
For years, Celebrity has been known for chic ocean ships, award-winning dining, and destinations that span the globe. Now, they’re expanding their brand by offering something completely new: 10 state-of-the-art river ships beginning in 2027, sailing the Danube, Rhine, and even festive Christmas itineraries.
According to Celebrity Cruises River and The Celebrity Commitment, this new collection of sailings is designed to combine immersive river itineraries with the premium service Celebrity loyalists already love.
River vs. Ocean Cruising: What’s the Difference?
1. Ship Size & Atmosphere
- Ocean ships: Thousands of guests, multiple restaurants, casinos, nightlife, Broadway-style shows.
- River ships: Typically 100–200 guests, a more intimate vibe, and the ability to dock in the center of town.
Think of it as trading the big-city skyscraper energy for a charming boutique hotel in the heart of Europe.
2. Entertainment & Excursions
- On the ocean, you’ll find casinos, theaters, and activities that keep you busy onboard.
- On the rivers, the “entertainment” is the destination itself: wandering cobblestoned streets, sampling regional wines, exploring castles, or strolling through festive markets.
3. Dining & Inclusions
Both styles of cruising emphasize gourmet cuisine, but river ships often bring the local flavor directly onboard. Expect regional specialties, local beer and wine, and daily excursions included in your fare.
Want a deeper dive? Check out my post: Best Christmas Market River Cruises in Europe.
Why Celebrity’s River Ships Are Game-Changers
This isn’t just another river cruise, it’s a reimagining of what’s possible. Here’s what sets Celebrity River apart:
- First-ever open decks on a river ship, creating more space for lounging, relaxing, and enjoying the scenery.
- Infinity pool onboard (yes, on a river ship!).
- Magic Edge Cantilever Pods – these moving platforms will let guests dine and sip cocktails directly over the water.
- Infinite Verandas® – a Celebrity signature feature from their ocean fleet of Edge Class ships, now on the rivers.
- Every stateroom features a king-size bed (but can be separated for those who prefer 2 beds).
- Complimentary stocked minibars in all rooms.
- Eight restaurants and bars onboard, with the most dining variety ever offered on a river cruise.
- 24/7 dining options, which is a huge differentiator since most river cruise lines keep stricter dining hours.
- Martini bar and coffee bar – bringing the ocean favorites inland.
- 33 sailings announced for 2027, covering the Danube, Rhine, and Christmas sailings.
It’s clear that Celebrity is taking everything travelers love about their ocean cruises and scaling it down into a luxurious, immersive river experience. It’s important to Celebrity that they offer different types of travel to their customers.
What’s Included in a Celebrity River Cruise
On a Celebrity River Cruise, high standards come standard. Here’s what guests can expect:
- Shore Excursions: Choice of at least one excursion every day.
- Dining: More restaurants and more options than any other river line, including 24-hour service.
- Drinks: Select wine, beer, cocktails, coffee, and soft drinks included all day, with upgrades available.
- Wi-Fi: Complimentary throughout the ship.
- Onboard Experiences: More activities and more spaces to enjoy them in.
For regular ocean cruisers, here’s a bonus perk: you’ll be able to book a future river cruise onboard your Celebrity ocean sailing, a seamless way to expand your cruising style.
Who Is River Cruising Perfect For?
- Busy professionals who want to maximize vacation time without stressing over logistics.
- Couples looking for a romantic, slower-paced trip with five-star service.
- Ocean cruisers who want to try something different but still expect premium quality.
- Holiday travelers who dream of Christmas markets, twinkling lights, and mulled wine along Europe’s rivers.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed planning a European itinerary, figuring out trains, hotels, and dining, river cruising makes it effortless. You unpack once, float through multiple countries, and enjoy all the details taken care of.
Why River Cruising Appeals to Younger Travelers
Forget the old stereotype that river cruising is “for retirees.” Today’s river ships are sleek, modern, and Instagram-worthy, complete with infinity pools, open decks, and stylish bars. Younger professionals and couples are flocking to the rivers because they can soak up the charm of Europe, snapping photos in front of castles, sipping mulled wine at Christmas markets, and exploring medieval towns without the hassle of constant packing, trains, and hotels.
It’s the perfect balance: adventure without roughing it, cultural immersion without stress, and a boutique luxury experience that still feels relaxed and approachable.
Upcoming River Cruises You Can Join with Me
While we wait for Celebrity’s first ships to debut in 2027, I’m thrilled to be hosting two incredible river sailings that you can join right now.
✨ Paris & Normandy River Cruise with AmaWaterways, August 2026
History, romance, and beauty all rolled into one unforgettable itinerary. Explore Monet’s gardens, stand on the beaches of Normandy, and fall in love with Paris all over again.
✨ Christmas Markets on the Danube, December 2026
Step straight into a storybook as you sip hot chocolate in Vienna, wander through Passau’s festive stalls, and shop for handmade ornaments in Nuremberg.
Both itineraries are filling quickly, and I’d love to personally host you on board.
Why Book with GG Mack Luxe Travel?
River cruising is one of my specialties, and I don’t just help you book, I guide you through the whole process. From choosing the right cabin to arranging flights, transfers, and pre/post stays, I make sure every detail is handled.
I also haver personal connections with my Celebrity reps, so I will be in the know, the minute these sailings open up. Reach out ASAP and I can get this booked for you. It’s opening VERY SOON!
Curious about what it’s like to work with me? Read: What to Expect When Working with a Travel Planner.
Final Thoughts: Celebrity Joins the River Cruise Revolution
Celebrity Cruises entering the river space is a big moment for the industry. With 10 new ships, first-of-their-kind features, and already sky-high demand, it’s clear that river cruising is about to reach a whole new audience.
If you’re ready to see Europe from a new perspective or if you’d like to join one of my personally hosted group sailings now’s the time to start planning.
👉 Join my community here: Luxury Travel with GG
👉 See my hosted group sailings: GG Mack Luxe Travel Group Cruises
