This morning, Celebrity Cruises revealed the design of two new ships, Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker. Priority booking access opened with a refundable $500 deposit, and all available inventory was reserved within five hours. Public sales will begin later this month. This marks Celebrity’s first step into the European river cruise market, with itineraries focused on the Rhine and Danube beginning in 2027.

Ship Design & Features

The new vessels draw inspiration from Celebrity’s Edge Series of ocean ships. Both Compass and Seeker feature open decks with 360-degree views, a top-deck bar and grill, and an infinity-edge plunge pool extending over the water.

A notable innovation is the Magic Edge—cantilevered dining pods that project over the river, offering guests a view while enjoying destination-focused menus. Public areas have been designed with shaded zones, flexible seating, and year-round usability.

“Celebrity River Cruises ships will be the most innovative on the river, with a patent-pending design that offers more space to vacation while bringing guests closer to the destinations,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises.

Accommodations On Celebrity River Cruises

Every stateroom will include a king-size bed, spa-style bathroom, and intuitive storage. The ships will introduce Celebrity’s Infinite Veranda design to river cruising, allowing windows to convert into open-air balconies.

New Skylight Infinite Balcony Suites add ceiling windows for natural light, a separate living area, and butler service. Other categories include Vista Balcony Suites, Balcony Staterooms, Infinite Balcony Staterooms, and River View rooms.

Suite guests will also have access to exclusive dining, daily cocktail hours, complimentary laundry, and priority shore excursion booking.

Dining On Celebrity River Cruises

Compass and Seeker will feature eight dining venues and bars, including river-adapted versions of Celebrity favorites such as the Martini Bar, Sunset Bar, and Café al Bacio.

Menus will reflect regional influences, from locally baked pastries in the mornings to European specialties at dinner. Celebrity will also offer 24/7 dining access, a first for river cruising.

Itineraries

The launch program includes 33 seven-night sailings on the Rhine and Danube. Rhine options include roundtrips from Amsterdam and Basel-to-Amsterdam. Danube routes include Vienna-to-Budapest, Budapest-to-Vienna, and Budapest-to-Nuremberg with a Christmas Markets theme.

Each sailing includes one daily shore excursion, such as wine tastings, thermal baths in Budapest, or cycling along the riverbanks. Pre- and post-cruise packages in Prague and Budapest will be available beginning in 2026.

Environmental Technology

The ships will incorporate a hybrid propulsion system, lightweight hulls for improved navigation, and advanced waste management systems. These measures are designed to reduce noise, vibration, and overall environmental impact.

Market Position

River cruising is a competitive segment, with leading operators such as Viking, AmaWaterways, and Avalon. Celebrity intends to differentiate itself with larger public spaces, more dining options, and an all-inclusive package that covers meals, Wi-Fi, drinks, and shore excursions.

Celebrity’s loyalty program, Captain’s Club, will extend to river sailings, awarding members 8 to 18 points per night.

Outlook

he quick sell-out of priority booking indicates strong demand for Celebrity’s river product. With Compass and Seeker scheduled to debut in 2027, the line will enter the European river market offering expanded space, multiple dining choices, and modern design.

Public sales for the inaugural season will open later in September 2025.