Celebrity Cruises Expands Fleet to 20 River Ships
Celebrity River Cruises, the new river cruise division of Celebrity Cruises, is expanding its fleet significantly. The company announced plans to double its fleet to 20 river vessels by 2031. This ambitious initiative is set to position Celebrity as a major player in the European river cruise market.
Fleet Expansion Details
Currently, Celebrity River Cruises plans to debut its first ship, Celebrity Compass, in August 2027. Following this launch, 10 additional ships are scheduled to join the fleet by 2031.
Key Ships and Delivery Timeline
- Celebrity Compass: Debuting in August 2027
- Celebrity Seeker: Also expected in 2027
- Additional Ships: Celebrity Wanderer, Celebrity Roamer, and Celebrity Boundless, all joining in 2028
All vessels are being constructed at the TeamCo shipyard in Amsterdam. The specific delivery dates for the later ships have not yet been announced.
Booking and Pricing Information
Celebrity River Cruises has opened bookings for its 2028 season, featuring over 160 sailings across more than 50 European destinations. Lead-in prices start at approximately £2,152 (AED 10,910) per person. This is for a six-night Danube cruise between Nuremberg and Vienna, departing on November 16, 2028.
Growth Driven by Demand
Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, highlighted that demand for Celebrity River Cruises has surpassed expectations. He noted that expanding the fleet will enhance travel options for customers, fostering a continuous vacation experience.
Additionally, Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, mentioned the inaugural 2027 season sold out in under six minutes. This swift sell-out reflects the guests’ appreciation for Celebrity’s renowned hospitality and service.
Future Implications for Celebrity River Cruises
The planned expansion is part of Celebrity’s strategy to integrate river cruising into its broader vacation offerings. By increasing its river fleet, the company aims to provide more travelers with unique and memorable experiences on European rivers.
| Ship Name | Launch Year |
|---|---|
| Celebrity Compass | 2027 |
| Celebrity Seeker | 2027 |
| Celebrity Wanderer | 2028 |
| Celebrity Roamer | 2028 |
| Celebrity Boundless | 2028 |
As Celebrity River Cruises prepares for its market entry, the anticipated growth presents exciting opportunities for both the company and travelers seeking unique European river experiences.
