Celebrity River Cruises: Ships, Suites & What's Included

When Celebrity Cruises announced its entry into river cruising, it wasn’t just adding a new itinerary; it was reimagining what modern luxury looks like on Europe’s most iconic waterways. 

With sailings beginning in 2027 along the Rhine and Danube, Celebrity River Cruises brings the design-forward style, elevated dining, and thoughtful service the brand is known for on the ocean, now in a more intimate, immersive river setting.  

Two ships will debut in 2027, followed by three additional ships in 2028. With an initial order of ten ships and the planned expansion of 20 ships by 2031, we are excited for their future offerings and increased itineraries. 

If you’re wondering what’s included with Celebrity River Cruises and whether it’s worth it, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.

What Is Included with Celebrity River Cruises? 

Celebrity River Cruises are designed to feel elevated yet approachable, with thoughtful inclusions that simplify your travel experience while still allowing flexibility.

Quick Overview

Not Included: Gratuities (may be prepaid or added onboard), airfare (available through The Cruise Web), and optional premium upgrades.

Six Dining Options with Flexible Access 

Celebrity is bringing its culinary expertise from ocean cruising directly to the rivers. 

Onboard, guests can enjoy:

• Six dining venues, including a 24-hour option 
• Menus that evolve with the itinerary 
• Healthy and locally inspired selections 
• Complimentary continental breakfast served in your room 

The dining experience blends global inspiration with regional flavors, reflecting the destinations along the river. Whether you prefer relaxed dining or something more refined, there are options to match your mood.

Guests staying in suites also receive an exclusive specialty dining experience once per voyage.

Shore Excursions 

Each sailing includes your choice of one shore excursion per day in port. These guided experiences are designed to immerse you in the culture, history, and flavors of each destination. 

Shore Excursion Options

• Choose from curated excursion options 
• Upgrade to premium excursions if desired 
• Or explore independently at your leisure 

Many itineraries also feature overnight dockings, giving you extended time to experience Europe’s cities after dark, which is a major advantage of river cruising. 

If you want to customize your time in each port, The Cruise Web can help you plan and book excursions and activities that may not be available through your cruise line.

Drink Package 

A Classic Drink Package is included in every stateroom category and features select wines, beer, soft drinks, and more. 

Premium beverage upgrades are available for guests who prefer expanded options. As of the time of publishing, exact brand selections have not been publicly detailed, so working with a Cruise Web expert ensures you understand your package before sailing. 

Plus, as a thoughtful bonus, each stateroom includes a mini-bar stocked upon arrival with complimentary drinks and pre-packaged snacks. 

Onboard Amenities & Experiences 

Onboard, guests can enjoy enrichment programs such as cultural talks, live music, culinary demonstrations, and relaxing time in thoughtfully designed lounges and wellness spaces.  

Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship makes it easy to share your journey, stay connected with family, or check in as needed while sailing. Together, these amenities create a balanced experience that blends meaningful destination immersion with modern-day convenience. 

The Ships: Modern Luxury Designed for the River

Celebrity is designing its river ships from the ground up, rather than retrofitting existing vessels. The result? More outdoor space, expansive decks, and open public areas.

Public Spaces & Open Decks

The outer decks are always open and inviting, giving you front-row seats to Europe’s landscapes. Whether sailing past castles along the Rhine or vineyard-covered hills along the Danube, the design encourages you to move freely and soak it all in. 

Each ship is designed to complement and highlight the scenery along the rivers, meaning you can expect spacious lounges, panoramic viewing areas, and open-air deck access throughout the day.

Celebrity's Initial River Ships

Fleet Expansion

Aside from starting in 2027 with two ships and expanding with three more ships in 2028, Celebrity has big plans for river cruising. They are planning on reaching a total of 20 ships by 2031, with a guaranteed 10 ships coming in the near future. As the river fleet expands, we expect not only itinerary offerings to expand, but also potentially additional destinations to be added.

Itineraries & Destinations: Exploring Europe by River

Celebrity River Cruises will initially focus on Europe’s most iconic waterways, with sailings along the Rhine and Danube beginning in 2027. These itineraries are designed to blend cultural immersion, scenic cruising, and overnight stays in some of Europe’s most captivating cities, perfect for experiencing destinations both during the day and after dark.

Starting with 7-night sailings on the Rhine onboard the Celebrity Seeker, travelers can expect storybook villages, vineyard-covered hillsides, and castle-lined riverbanks stretching through countries like Germany, France, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.

View Celebrity’s Rhine River cruises.

Celebrity Compass will debut with 7-night Danube cruises with itineraries highlighting grand capitals, charming Old Towns, and centuries of history across Central and Eastern Europe.

View Celebrity’s Danube River cruises.

Expert Tip: In 2027, all sailings will be 7-night long voyages with shorter and longer itineraries being introduced in 2028. So, if you’re looking for a longer or shorter voyage, we recommend booking a 2028 voyage.

Staterooms & Suites: No Interior Cabins, Just Views

One of the most exciting aspects of Celebrity Cruises' river ships? There are no interior staterooms. Every room is designed to connect you with the river.

Quick Overview

Note: There are no interior staterooms. Every accommodation offers natural light and river views.

All accommodations include: 

• King-size bed 
• Spa-style bathroom 
• Smart, spacious layouts 
• In-room filtered water 
• Complimentary in-room continental breakfast
• Complimentary stocked mini-bar upon arrival

Suite Staterooms: Elevated Amenities & Extras 

Both the Skylight Infinite Balcony Suite and the Vista Balcony Suite are designed with generous layouts, refined finishes, and expanded living areas, ideal for travelers who value extra room to unwind after a day exploring Europe’s rivers.

Suite guests also receive: 

• Butler service & chat 
• Priority suite access 
• Premium drink package 
• Exclusive suite guest happy hour 
• One complimentary specialty dining experience per voyage 
• Complimentary laundry service (one per voyage) 
• Personalized mini-bar 
• Complimentary in-suite breakfast, lunch & dinner service 
• Espresso machine with specialty coffee and tea delivery 
• Priority booking for excursions & specialty dining 

What’s Not Included 

When considering a Celebrity River Cruise, here’s what guests should know: 

• Gratuities are not included in the cruise fare, but they may be prepaid prior to boarding.
• Additional gratuities for exceptional service are always at your discretion. 
• Aside from breakfast, room service is available at an additional cost (excluding suite-level inclusions). 
• Airfare is not automatically included, but The Cruise Web can arrange airline packages.

How Is Celebrity River Cruises Different? 

Every river cruise line has its own personality, and Celebrity Cruises is bringing a distinct perspective shaped by decades of modern ocean cruising experience. 

One notable difference is design. Celebrity is building its river ships from the ground up with a strong focus on contemporary style, expansive outdoor deck space, and innovative accommodations like the first-ever Skylight Infinite Balcony Suites. There are no interior staterooms, and every category includes a king-size bed, a feature not always standard in river cruising. 

While the experience remains intimate and destination-focused, Celebrity is aiming to combine that immersion with the elevated design, service standards, and flexible inclusions its ocean guests already appreciate.

Is Celebrity River Cruises Worth It? 

If you love the elevated design and culinary standards of Celebrity’s ocean ships but prefer a more immersive, culturally focused travel style, Celebrity River Cruises offers a compelling blend of both. 

With included excursions, six dining venues, drinks, Wi-Fi, and no interior staterooms, the value is strong, especially considering the thoughtful suite-level perks and the brand’s long-term commitment to building a ten-ship fleet. 

As river cruising continues to grow in popularity, Celebrity’s entry signals a modern evolution of the experience, refined but relaxed, immersive but comfortable. 

If you’re considering setting sail with Celebrity, now is the ideal time to speak with a Cruise Web expert. We’ll help you secure the best stateroom, navigate inclusions, and plan every detail, so your first Celebrity River Cruise is seamless from start to finish. 

Why Book Celebrity River Cruises with The Cruise Web? 

Planning a river cruise can be complicated, from selecting the right stateroom to understanding beverage upgrades and excursion options. 

When you book with The Cruise Web, you gain: 

• Personalized stateroom guidance 
• Assistance adding prepaid gratuities 
• Airline package coordination 
• Pre- and post-cruise hotel arrangements 
• Help selecting excursion upgrades 
• Ongoing support before and after your cruise 

Our experts simplify the process so you can focus on the experience. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is everything included on Celebrity River Cruises? 

Celebrity River Cruises include one shore excursion per day, six dining options, a Classic Drink Package, Wi-Fi, enrichment programming, and king-bed accommodations. Gratuities and airfare are additional. 

Are drinks included on Celebrity River Cruises? 

Yes. A Classic Drink Package is included, covering select wines, beer, cocktails, coffee, and soft drinks. Premium upgrades are available. 

Are gratuities included? 

No. Gratuities are not included but can be prepaid before boarding or will be automatically added to your onboard account. 

Are there interior cabins? 

No. Celebrity River Cruises offers no interior staterooms — every room includes a window or balcony. 

When do Celebrity River Cruises begin sailing? 

Sailings begin in 2027 on the Rhine and Danube with two ships. Three additional ships join in 2028. 

What rivers does Celebrity sail? 

Initially, sailings focus on Europe’s Rhine and Danube rivers, with potential expansion in the future. 

Is Celebrity River Cruises good for solo travelers? 

Yes, though solo supplements apply.