Celebrity Cruises Enters the River Cruise Market with New Fleet Launching in 2027
Celebrity Cruises has officially announced its entry into the river cruise market, revealing plans to launch a fleet of ten ships that will begin sailing Europe’s most iconic rivers in 2027. The announcement, made in a press release, highlights the cruise line’s goal to bring its signature modern luxury and design to a more intimate travel experience.
“Our guests and travel partners should expect us to do what we do best—innovate and elevate the river cruise experience as we meet the growing demand for intimate, culturally enriching travel experiences,” said Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.
The new fleet will explore renowned rivers like the Rhine, Danube, and Seine, offering immersive itineraries designed to highlight the culture, history, and cuisine of each destination. Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, shared, “We’ve redefined travel on the ocean with our best-in-class hospitality, award-winning food and beverage experiences, and elevated design and style. We are thrilled to bring these experiences to the river and combine them with authentic, destination-rich itineraries that will give our guests an experience unlike any other.”
Travelers can already visit Celebrity’s dedicated river cruise page for more details, including answers to frequently asked questions and updates on when bookings will open later this year.
The ships are being designed to reflect Celebrity Cruises’ distinct blend of innovative style and exceptional service, creating a luxurious setting for exploring Europe’s storied waterways. While full details on the ships and itineraries are still forthcoming, Celebrity’s expansion into river cruising is a significant step in diversifying its travel offerings. As the river cruise market continues to grow in popularity, Celebrity Cruises is poised to bring a fresh perspective to exploring Europe’s most iconic destinations.
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Kathy Ava
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.