For years, Celebrity Cruises has been known as a leader in premium ocean cruising, with its sleek Edge-class ships setting new design standards at sea. But until recently, river cruising had remained untouched by the brand. Rumors had occasionally surfaced about whether Celebrity would ever bring its “modern luxury” approach to Europe’s waterways, but nothing concrete was confirmed, until now…
In January 2025, Celebrity officially unveiled its brand-new Celebrity River Cruises line, marking the company’s first-ever move into river cruising. The announcement was a surprise to many in the industry, but also felt like a natural next step. With demand for intimate, culturally rich river itineraries continuing to rise, and nearly half of Celebrity’s guests already showing interest in river voyages, the timing couldn’t be better. The first two ships, Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker, are set to launch in 2027, sailing the Rhine and Danube on seven-night journeys.
Two Ships for Celebrity River Cruises
Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker will feature hybrid propulsion, quiet ride tech, and design-forward aesthetics tailored specifically for rivers.
Highlights include:
- Panoramic outdoor zones, featuring uninterrupted access, transformative shade structures, flexible furniture, and an infinity-edge plunge pool atop the deck.
- Magic Edge dining pods—dramatic cantilevered platforms extending over the water for unforgettable alfresco meals.
- Accommodation across five stateroom categories, from Infinite Verandas to the first-ever Skylight Infinite Balcony Suites, all with king beds and expansive views.
- Suite perks such as Butler Chat on-demand service, priority bookings, exclusive dining, and happy hour experiences.
How amazing does this sound!?
Celebrity River Cruises Priority Booking Access has SOLD OUT in 6 minutes.
Celebrity kicked off Priority Booking Access at 9 a.m. EDT on September 3, 2025, allowing eager travellers to secure their spot on the 2027 season by placing a fully refundable $500 deposit.
Celebrity CEO Jason Liberty described the response as an “avalanche of demand,” with calls and waitlists surging immediately after the announcement.
This early-access option comes bundled with inclusive pricing: all meals, drinks, Wi-Fi, onboard experiences, and one shore excursion daily – no surprises, just seamless luxury.
The public didn’t stand a chance with this one! It sold out within 6 weeks! WTF.
Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club loyalty program
Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club loyalty program is part of the larger Royal Caribbean Group ecosystem, which also includes Royal Caribbean International’s Crown & Anchor Society and Silversea’s Venetian Society. Thanks to the Loyalty Status Match program introduced in 2024, your recognition level now carries seamlessly across all three brands.
This means that if you hold a tier with one line – say, Diamond with Royal Caribbean – you’ll enjoy equivalent perks when you step aboard a Celebrity river sailing. The only caveat is that while your status matches, the points you earn remain tied to the brand you’re sailing with. So, points from a river cruise grow your Captain’s Club standing, not your Crown & Anchor balance.
What We Know & What’s Next
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| First Ships | Celebrity Compass & Seeker, launching in 2027, river-specific design |
| Fleet Size | 10 ships initially ordered; 2 in 2027, then ~4/year, with more planned |
| Booking Launch | Deposits opened Sep 3, 2025 via $500 refundable fee |
| Experience | All-inclusive pricing, immersive dining, Magic Edge pods, premium cabins |
| Future Growth | Possible expansion beyond Rhine/Danube (e.g., Seine, Douro), tied into RCL loyalty ecosystem |
Celebrity River Cruises is poised to reshape river travel with modern style, streamlined luxury, and seamless guest experiences. With strong demand already evidenced, this bold stride into premium river cruising could become a defining chapter in Celebrity’s story.
