Highlights of Celebrity Cruises’ New River Cruises Starting in 2027
- Joy Bartholomew
- Sep 7
- 4 min read
Good morning, fellow adventurers! As seasoned travelers, we crave experiences that blend luxury, cultural immersion, and a touch of adventure. Celebrity Cruises is set to deliver just that with their new river cruises launching in 2027, bringing their signature sophistication to Europe’s iconic Rhine and Danube rivers. Designed for those who appreciate refined travel, these cruises promise to redefine river cruising with innovative ships, immersive itineraries, and unparalleled hospitality. Here’s a look at the highlights of Celebrity River Cruises’ 2027 sailings and why they’re a must for mature travelers seeking a fresh way to explore Europe.
1. Introducing Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker
Celebrity Cruises is entering the river cruise scene with two stunning ships, Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker, each carrying just 172–180 passengers for an intimate experience. These vessels draw inspiration from Celebrity’s award-winning Edge Series ocean ships, featuring sleek, modern designs with a focus on connecting you to the destinations. Built with lightweight hulls for smoother navigation and equipped with best-in-class hybrid propulsion systems, these ships prioritize sustainability while offering a luxurious ride. Expect elegant staterooms with king-sized beds, private balconies, and complimentary minibars, plus innovative touches like the Infinite Veranda for seamless indoor-outdoor living.
For travelers over 50, the smaller ship size means a more personalized experience, with plenty of space to relax and connect with fellow explorers. Whether you’re savoring a glass of wine in a cantilevered dining pod or cooling off in the infinity-edge plunge pool, these ships are designed to make every moment feel indulgent.
2. Immersive Itineraries on the Rhine and Danube
Celebrity River Cruises will sail Europe’s most iconic rivers, the Rhine and Danube, with 33 weeklong itineraries starting in 2027. These routes take you through the heart of Europe’s cultural and historical gems, from vibrant capitals to charming villages. Highlighted itineraries include:
• 7-Night Vienna & Budapest: Sail the Danube from Bavaria’s storybook landscapes to imperial Budapest, passing vineyard-lined hills and castle-crowned ridges in the scenic Wachau Valley.
• 7-Night Budapest & Vienna: This westbound Danube journey blends Budapest’s grandeur with Bavaria’s charm, offering a mix of urban vibrancy and riverside tranquility.
• 7-Night Budapest to Nuremberg Christmas Markets: Celebrate the festive season with a Danube cruise that combines cultural depth with the magic of Europe’s Christmas markets.
• Rhine River Cruises: Wind through vineyard-laced hills and historic towns, connecting cities like Basel, Strasbourg, and Amsterdam, where every port feels like a postcard.
These itineraries are perfect for mature travelers who want to explore Europe’s rich history and culture at a relaxed pace, with daytime sailings that maximize scenic views and immersive shore excursions included in the fare.
3. Revolutionary Design and Outdoor Spaces
Celebrity is redefining river cruising with ships that prioritize open, usable spaces. The Compass and Seeker boast the most expansive outdoor decks of any river cruise ship, offering 360-degree views of Europe’s stunning landscapes. Whether you’re lounging by the top-deck bar and grille or soaking in the infinity-edge plunge pool, you’ll feel connected to the riverside beauty at every turn.
A standout feature is the Magic Edge, the first-ever cantilevered dining pods that let you dine above the river, savoring regional cuisine while floating over the water. These shaded, year-round structures maximize comfort and elevate the dining experience, making it a highlight for food-loving travelers who appreciate culinary artistry paired with breathtaking views.
4. Elevated Dining and Amenities
Celebrity Cruises is known for its award-winning dining, and their river cruises will deliver the same caliber of excellence. With eight restaurants and bars—more than any other river cruise line—you’ll enjoy diverse options, from the familiar Café al Bacio for espresso and pastries to the Martini Bar, and a chef’s table focusing on local fare.
Fares include select wine, beer, cocktails, coffee, and soft drinks all day, with options to upgrade for premium beverages. Complimentary Wi-Fi and daily shore excursions ensure you stay connected and immersed without extra costs.
5. Cultural Immersion and Unique Shore Excursions
Celebrity’s river cruises are designed to bring you closer to Europe’s culture, with carefully curated shore excursions included in every itinerary. Explore iconic cities like Vienna and Budapest, wander lesser-known towns, or sail through the scenic Wachau Valley while learning about local history from expert guides. The focus on destination-rich experiences means you’ll uncover hidden gems and create your own stories, perfect for travelers who seek meaningful connections.
Pre- and post-cruise stays in cities like Prague or Budapest let you extend your journey.
6. Unprecedented Demand and Booking Details
The excitement for Celebrity River Cruises is palpable—priority booking for 2027 sailings opened on September 3, 2025, and sold out in just six minutes, with refundable $500 deposits claimed by eager fans. Public bookings are set to open soon, with fares starting at around $3,000 per person, including dining, select drinks, Wi-Fi, and excursions.
This high demand reflects the appeal of Celebrity’s elevated approach, blending the intimacy of river cruising with the luxury of their ocean voyages.
Final Thoughts
Celebrity Cruises’ new river cruises, launching in 2027, are set to transform how we explore Europe’s Rhine and Danube rivers. With innovative ships like Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker, immersive itineraries, and unparalleled dining and amenities, these voyages offer the perfect blend of luxury and cultural discovery. Don’t miss your chance to sail “The Celebrity Way,” where every moment is designed to connect you with the beauty and stories of Europe’s heartland.
Have you cruised with Celebrity before, or are you excited to try their new river cruises? Share your thoughts in the comments below! For the latest updates, visit http://www.reinventretired.com.
Here’s to unforgettable river adventures in 2027!
Joy Bartholomew is the founder of Reinvent Retired Travel and Wellness. She is a travel advisor specializing in helping empty-nesters, retirees, and the "50+ travelers" find their perfect vacation, whether it's a new city, country, or continent. She enjoys helping couples, individuals and groups check off itineraries from their bucket-list, and enjoy all of the luxuries and comforts in midlife on a mid-level budget. As a yoga teacher, she works with the same 50+ travelers to improve their health and wellness so they can travel better for longer and enjoy all of life's blessings.
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