Celebrity River Cruises Opens Public Bookings for 2027 Sailings
When Celebrity Cruises first teased its river cruise division, I knew demand would be intense. Sure enough, Priority Booking Access earlier this month sold out in six minutes. Now the rest of us finally get our chance. Celebrity River Cruises opens the remaining 2027 sailings to the public on Thursday, September 25.
This is Celebrity’s inaugural season of river cruising, and it’s already shaping up to be a turning point for the industry. Seven-night journeys along the Danube and Rhine will showcase Budapest’s grandeur and Bavaria’s charm, all paired with the service and design Celebrity fans already expect.
A New Standard for River Ship Design
The ships are what excite me most. Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker will bring that familiar Edge Series sophistication to Europe’s waterways. Their innovative hull design is lighter and more versatile, which should mean smoother navigation and seamless experiences for guests.
The outdoor decks also stand out. With shade structures, comfortable lounge furniture, and a top-deck bar and grille, the ships invite guests to spend more time outside. My personal favorite detail? Magic Edge, the first-ever cantilevered dining pods that let you enjoy a meal suspended above the river. Add in an infinity-edge plunge pool, and it feels more like a boutique resort than a typical river vessel.
Living Spaces That Feel Like Home
River cruise staterooms have often leaned practical, but Celebrity is pushing toward residential comfort. There will be five boutique categories, all filled with natural light and outfitted with king-sized beds. The rooms are designed as spaces to live, not just sleep, with more in-room amenities than anything else sailing the rivers.
Dining the Celebrity Way
Food is always one of the main reasons I travel, and Celebrity River Cruises is taking this seriously. With eight restaurants and bars, guests will have the most choice on Europe’s rivers. Signature venues like Martini Bar, Sunset Bar, and Café al Bacio are coming onboard, complemented by regionally inspired dining that changes with the destinations. I can already picture pairing a local wine with a dinner overlooking the Danube.
Exploring Europe Differently
The itineraries make these cruises even more appealing. In 2027, Celebrity will operate 33 seven-night sailings on the Rhine and Danube. Think multiple ports in a single day, overnights in iconic cities, and plenty of opportunities to taste, walk, and explore at your own pace. It’s not just about seeing the sights, but about experiencing the culture in a more immersive way.
Celebrity River Cruises is setting a new bar for what river vacations can be. Between the ship design, the emphasis on outdoor living, the residential-style staterooms, and the thoughtfully curated itineraries, it feels like more than just another river cruise option. This looks like a fresh era for the category, and I can’t wait to see it firsthand.
Bookings open September 25. If you’re considering a river cruise in 2027, I wouldn’t wait long—the early demand says it all.
You can book directly through Celebrity River Cruises, call 1-833-474-8803, or go through a trusted travel advisor.
