Celebrity River Cruises is expanding its presence in the European river cruise market, announcing plans to add 10 new ships, bringing its total fleet to 20 vessels by 2031.
The expansion begins with the start of construction on Celebrity Compass, the brand’s first river ship, following the ceremonial steel cutting. Celebrity River Cruises will launch operations in 2027 with Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker. Three additional vessels—Celebrity Wanderer, Celebrity Roamer and Celebrity Boundless—will debut in 2028.
To celebrate these milestones, Celebrity River Cruises opened its highly anticipated 2028 season for booking—offering more than 160 sailings to over 50 destinations across Europe.
“Our inaugural 2027 Celebrity River Cruises season sold out in under six minutes—a testament to how much guests value the unmatched hospitality and service Celebrity delivers,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, in a press statement. “To meet this extraordinary demand, we’re thrilled to open 2028 sailings featuring 80 percent more European destinations, five ships and more than 160 itineraries. There are now more ways than ever to experience Europe’s rivers, The Celebrity Way.”
Expanded Itineraries Across Europe’s Iconic Rivers
The 2028 season will include itineraries on the Rhine, Danube and Lower Danube, as well as seasonal sailings timed to Europe’s tulip bloom and Christmas market season. In total, the program introduces 24 new ports. Notable itinerary highlights include:
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Lower Danube Cruises (six sailings): These journeys sail from Bucharest through the Iron Gates gorge and include an overnight land stay in Romania’s capital.
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Rhine River Cruises (60+ sailings): Itineraries between Basel and Amsterdam showcase classic Rhine destinations such as Strasbourg, Breisach, Rüdesheim and the region’s castle-lined valleys.
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Upper Danube Cruises: Sailings between Regensburg or Nuremberg and Budapest explore Germany, Austria and Hungary, with select departures aligned with regional festivals, including the Gäuboden Festival in Straubing.
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Dutch Tulip Season Cruises: Spring itineraries between Brussels and Amsterdam feature visits to Keukenhof Gardens, Kinderdijk and Maastricht during peak bloom season.
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Christmas Markets Cruises: Winter sailings along the Rhine visit festive destinations including Mainz, Strasbourg and Heidelberg, centered around Europe’s traditional holiday markets.
All 2028 Celebrity River Cruises itineraries are now available to book.
For more information, visit celebritycruises.com.
