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January 30, 2026

Celebrity River Cruises has confirmed a major expansion of its fleet and a significant increase in European destinations for 2028, officially opening bookings for a season that promises to revolutionize the travel experience along Europe’s most iconic rivers.

The official announcement marked the beginning of construction of the new fleet, with the first steel cut for Celebrity Compass, the brand’s very first river ship. This project not only strengthens Celebrity’s presence in the river cruise segment, but also reinforces the company’s strategy of offering unique, luxurious, and fully immersive experiences along some of the most renowned rivers on the European continent.

The expansion has been welcomed with enthusiasm by travelers and industry professionals alike, as it promises to increase access to European destinations that have so far been less explored by luxury river cruises. The 2028 season is already open for bookings and includes an 80% increase in destinations compared to the inaugural 2027 season, marking a decisive step toward offering more diverse and personalized itineraries.

To celebrate this growth phase, Celebrity River Cruises has made bookings available for more than 160 sailings across over 50 European destinations. Guests will be able to choose from a variety of iconic itineraries: cruising the Rhine to the vineyards of Alsace, following the Danube to the historic markets of Budapest, or waking up in Prague and ending the day at an elegant café in the heart of Vienna.

The 2027 fleet will debut with Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker, while 2028 will see the introduction of Celebrity Wanderer, Celebrity Roamer, and Celebrity Boundless, further expanding guest choice and offering an unprecedented range of river cruise experiences. Each ship is designed to combine comfort, contemporary luxury, and advanced technology, featuring elegant staterooms, high-end dining, refined public spaces, and onboard activities aligned with Celebrity’s unmistakable style.

According to Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, the parent company of Celebrity Cruises, demand for Celebrity River Cruises has exceeded all expectations, and the fleet expansion enables the company to offer this highly anticipated experience to an even greater number of travelers. Liberty emphasized that, whether for loyal brand guests or those discovering it for the first time, the new ships and itineraries provide innovative ways to experience Europe’s most iconic rivers. The expansion into the river segment further strengthens Celebrity’s connected vacation ecosystem, increasing choice and accessibility and transforming what was once “the vacation of a lifetime” into a true “lifetime of vacations.”

Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, also highlighted the enthusiasm generated by the inaugural river season: the 2027 debut season sold out in less than six minutes, confirming guests’ appreciation for the company’s hospitality and exclusive service. Bethge added that, to meet this growing demand, the 2028 cruises will feature 80% more European destinations, five ships, and over 160 itineraries, further consolidating the offering and opening new ways to discover Europe’s rivers in Celebrity’s unmistakable style—the so-called “Celebrity Way.”

The 2028 season will take Celebrity River Cruises along iconic waterways such as the Rhine and the Upper and Lower Danube, offering itineraries distinguished by breathtaking natural landscapes, exclusive cultural experiences, and innovative land stays. In total, the company will introduce 24 new ports, significantly expanding guest choice and offering unique experiences that include seasonal cruises and themed itineraries.

The six departures dedicated to the Lower Danube will sail from Bucharest, crossing the spectacular Iron Gates gorge, one of Europe’s most striking river passages. Each cruise will include an overnight land stay in Bucharest, allowing guests to explore the Romanian capital and its rich historical and cultural heritage before or after sailing along the river. This itinerary represents a true innovation for Celebrity, introducing an experience that combines the charm of river cruising with exclusive land programs.

More than 60 departures on the Rhine will allow guests to sail between Basel and Amsterdam through the famed European castle region, among vineyard-covered hills and picturesque villages such as Strasbourg, Breisach, and Rüdesheim. Guests will admire postcard-perfect scenery, explore medieval castle history, and enjoy the romantic atmosphere of one of Europe’s most scenic and iconic rivers.

Upper Danube itineraries will pass through Germany, Austria, and Hungary, connecting historic cities such as Regensburg, Nuremberg, and Budapest. On select departures, cruises will coincide with the Gäuboden Festival in Straubing, one of Germany’s largest celebrations of cultural heritage, offering guests the opportunity to experience authentic and engaging local events.

Tulip season cruises, sailing from Brussels to Amsterdam during the spring bloom, will include visits to the Keukenhof Gardens, the windmills of Kinderdijk, and the picturesque city of Maastricht. Guests will enjoy vibrant and colorful scenery, immersing themselves in the natural and cultural beauty of the Netherlands during the most evocative time of year.

Christmas cruises will sail between Basel and Amsterdam, stopping in the illuminated villages of the Rhine Valley, including Mainz, Strasbourg, and Heidelberg. Snow-dusted vineyards, festive lights, and traditional markets will make these winter sailings unforgettable experiences, perfect for embracing the magical atmosphere of Christmas in Europe.

Each ship in the Celebrity River Cruises fleet is designed to offer contemporary comfort and luxury, with elegant staterooms, refined public spaces, gourmet restaurants, and onboard activities that combine entertainment, culture, and relaxation. The itineraries are carefully crafted to balance immersive river experiences with enriching land stays, allowing guests to enjoy a complete and personalized vacation.

The fleet expansion and the increase in destinations represent a response to growing traveler demand for high-quality river cruises, with an increasingly diversified offering that blends history, culture, nature, and luxury. With more than 160 itineraries available in 2028, Celebrity River Cruises confirms its position as one of Europe’s leading river cruise operators, capable of meeting the expectations of both experienced travelers and newcomers to the river segment.

Don’t miss news, updates, and reviews about Celebrity River Cruises on Cruising Journal, featuring photos, videos, and special cruise offers.

Giorgia Lombardo

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