Celebrity Cruises (part of the Royal Caribbean Group), a brand known for its high-end ocean voyages, is now planning to set sail on Europe’s rivers. Launching in 2027, the new venture promises a premium cruise experience on some of Europe’s most iconic rivers.

Celebrity Cruises has confirmed it will introduce ten newly built ships specially for river cruising. The company’s president and CEO, Jason Liberty, emphasised the brand’s commitment to innovation and providing “intimate, culturally enriching travel experiences” for its loyal guests.

Where will Celebrity River Cruises sail?

Detailed itineraries have not yet been confirmed, but travel experts, including Travel and Tour World, suggest that the Danube, Seine and Rhine Rivers will be the starting points. These routes will allow travellers to explore renowned cities like Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, and Regensburg.

In an interview with Travel + Leisure, Laura Hodges Bethge, Celebrity Cruises’ president, hinted that the brand would eventually expand to other major European rivers, such as the Rhône in France. She said: “We will, over time, bring all of Europe’s best rivers to our guests… You can extrapolate if you look at where all the other river cruise companies go: they’re on the Danube, the Rhine, the Rhône.”

River cruising is an increasingly competitive market, dominated by brands like Viking, AmaWaterways, and Avalon Waterways. However, Colleen McDaniel, Editor-in-Chief of Cruise Critic, believes that Celebrity Cruises’ entry into the market is a game-changer. She highlighted that many loyal ocean cruisers who have been hesitant to try river cruises may now be tempted to do so with a familiar and trusted brand.

Celebrity Cruises is expected to bring some of its ocean-cruise style to the rivers, including the sophisticated design elements seen in its Edge Series ships. This includes stylish staterooms that can transform into verandas and social spaces that elevate the onboard experience.

Reservations for Celebrity River Cruises will open in 2025, giving travellers plenty of time to plan their luxury river voyage in 2027.

With river cruises growing in popularity among European and American travellers, Celebrity Cruises’ expansion into this division aligns with increasing demand for slow, immersive travel – this is a key travel trend for 2025.

View all travel news.