Celebrity River Cruises Expands Fleet and European Itineraries for 2028

Celebrity River Cruises, the river cruise division of Celebrity Cruises and part of Royal Caribbean Group, has revealed a major expansion of its river cruising program, adding 10 additional river ships and opening the brand’s 2028 European season for booking with significantly more destinations and itineraries. This announcement marks a major step in the company’s strategy to become one of the leading operators of river cruises in Europe.

Commitment to Growth: 10 New Ships by 2031

The company announced that it has committed to building 10 more river ships, bringing the total number of vessels in its Celebrity River Cruises fleet to 20 by 2031. This expansion officially begins with the first steel cut for the debut river vessel, Celebrity Compass, and demonstrates Celebrity’s confidence in the demand for premium river cruising experiences.

By scaling up its fleet, Celebrity River Cruises aims to offer travelers more choice, more flexibility, and more opportunities to explore Europe’s renowned rivers with the brand’s distinctive elevated style and service. This significant investment highlights the company’s long-term vision for river travel.

2028 European Season Now Open for Booking

Alongside the fleet announcement, Celebrity River Cruises revealed that its 2028 European deployment is open for booking. Compared to the inaugural 2027 season, the 2028 program features an 80% increase in European destinations, adding dozens of new cities, towns, and cultural stops to the lineup.

The expanded schedule includes more than 160 sailings across Europe’s most beloved rivers, allowing guests to immerse themselves in rich history, breathtaking scenery, and vibrant local cultures. Travelers can now book journeys on rivers such as the Rhine, Upper Danube, and Lower Danube, among others.

Key 2028 Itineraries Featured

Celebrity River Cruises has curated a range of standout itineraries for the 2028 season, with new experiences designed to appeal to both returning guests and first-time river cruisers:

• Lower Danube Cruises: Featuring six sailings that venture through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge, with an overnight stay in Bucharest, Romania — a first for Celebrity River Cruises.
• Rhine River Cruises: Offering more than 60 sailings between Basel and Amsterdam, these journeys pass through Europe’s legendary castle country and picturesque towns such as Strasbourg, Breisach, and Rüdesheim.
• Upper Danube Cruises: From Regensburg or Nuremberg to Budapest, guests experience grand castles and cultural treasures in Germany, Austria, and Hungary, with some sailings timed to coincide with the Gäuboden Festival.
• Dutch Tulip Season Cruises: Seasonal sailings between Brussels and Amsterdam during peak spring provide stunning views of blooming tulip fields and iconic Dutch windmills.
• Christmas Markets Cruises: Winter sailings embrace Europe’s holiday spirit with stops at festive markets in Mainz, Strasbourg, Heidelberg and other towns.

Strong Demand and Record-Setting Interest

Celebrity’s initial 2027 river cruise season saw overwhelming demand. According to executives, the inaugural deployment sold out in under six minutes — a testament to the popularity and excitement surrounding the new river cruise product. To meet this extraordinary interest, Celebrity is rapidly expanding its fleet and destination offerings.

Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, emphasized the strategic importance of river cruising to the company’s connected vacation portfolio. By integrating river voyages with ocean cruise experiences and other travel options, the brand seeks to offer travelers a “vacation ecosystem” that encourages multiple cruise experiences over a lifetime.

Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the brand’s enthusiasm for delivering travelers “even more ways to experience Europe’s rivers The Celebrity Way.” With an expanded fleet, additional itineraries, and more destinations, guests have greater flexibility in planning trips that suit their interests and travel preferences.

More Ways to Experience Europe’s Rivers

With the increase in destinations and sailings, Celebrity River Cruises is encouraging travelers to explore Europe beyond traditional tourist hotspots. Whether it’s wine country along the Rhine, historic capitals on the Danube, or seasonal landscapes in the Netherlands, the new itineraries provide immersive cultural experiences and scenic exploration.

Guests can reserve their 2028 cruise voyages through the Celebrity River Cruises website, by phone, through the Future Cruise desk onboard any Celebrity ship, or via a trusted travel advisor. With the expanded offerings, travelers have more flexibility than ever to create unforgettable river cruise memories across Europe.

About Celebrity River Cruises

Celebrity River Cruises draws on the luxury and contemporary design heritage of Celebrity Cruises, known for its premium ocean ships and high-end hospitality. The river cruise line brings that same elevated experience to Europe’s waterways with thoughtfully curated itineraries, refined onboard amenities, and immersive cultural shore excursions.

With the latest fleet expansion and the opening of the 2028 European season, Celebrity River Cruises is poised to become a major player in European river travel, combining sophistication, exploration, and unique destination experiences.

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