- Celebrity River Cruises has announced a special program that will roll out across shore excursions and pre and post-cruise stays.
- The line says: “We’ve built a destination program that connects guests to Europe more personally than anything the river cruise industry has offered before.”
- These experiences range from locally led workshops to curated private events in historic locations.
Celebrity Cruises certainly made a splash when it announced they would be joining the world of European river cruise, and as we get closer to their first ever sailings in 2027, we’re learning more about what will be on offer.
Celebrity River Cruises has just revealed its new extensive destination discovery program, which are a range of land-based shore experiences, that are spread across pre and post-cruise stays, as well as days in port.
The idea is a series of experiences that Celebrity claims offer another level of immersion and authenticity compared to other river cruise lines.
Tim Jones, vice president and managing director, Australia and APAC, Celebrity Cruises , told Cruise Passenger: “Our inaugural Celebrity River Cruises 2027 season sold out in just six minutes. To meet this unprecedented demand, we’re excited to confirm our 2028 sailings will offer 80% more European sailings for travellers to enjoy.
“Our guests can now choose from over 160 sailings to more than 50 destinations across Europe, offering unrivalled opportunities including sailing the Rhine to the vineyards of Alsace, or journeying from the stunning city of Prague to the heart of Vienna.”
And Jones said there had been an enthusiastic take-up by Aussie Celebrity guests. “Although we’re not able to share details of take-up from Australia specifically, with about half our guests having already taken, or intending to take a river cruise, we know they are going to love sailing Europe’s most iconic rivers with us.”
Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises says: “On a Celebrity River Cruises holiday, no two days are the same because no two places are. We’ve built a destination program that connects guests to Europe more personally than anything the river cruise industry has offered before.
“With our groundbreaking destination discovery options, paired with thoughtfully crafted spaces onboard that inspire relaxation and connection, Celebrity River Cruises guests will return home with stories no one else can tell.”
These experiences, which will be available across all 2027 and 2028 river itineraries, are split over four categories.
Storyteller Series
- These are locally led experiences, where guests can see a side of a town or city that only a local would be able to show off.
- For example, this could look like a canal captain of Amsterdam showing unseen sides of the city’s waterways, or a food and drink tour in Prague where a local brewer explains the rich traditions of the city’s culinary scene.
Skillmaster series
- These are more locally led experiences that are based around going beyond sight seeing and living the day in the life of the people who make a city tick. Guests will craft, cook and create as they’re guided by local makers.
- For example, in Budapest, a local Mamika (grandmother) will take guests into her own home and teach them traditional Hungarian recipes, which the group will have purchased together at the local market. In Amsterdam this can look like a local artist leading a painting class based around the legacy and imagination of Van Gogh.
Keys to the City series
- These excursions utilise a digital platform that give guests special curated maps that are based around their own interests, whether that’s art, history, food, architecture or more. Along the routes guests will come across especially stationed locals who offer exclusive experiences and local knowledge.
- For example, in Bratislava you can follow a special architecture route, coming across local historians and architects along the way.
Celebrity takeover series
- These will be offered once per sailings, will special private events being held in key attractions and historic locations of European cities.
- The idea is to take bucket list experiences and elevate them into an exclusive and curated event.
Bookings open for 2027 and 2028 pre- and post-cruise stays this winter, and all other destination experiences will open for booking in 2027. Celebrity River Cruises sailings are on sale now. To experience Europe’s rivers The Celebrity Way, please visit www.celebritycruises.com/au/river, contact a Celebrity River Cruises expert at 1800-965-876, visit Future Cruise on board, or contact a trusted travel advisor.
Celebrity River Cruises can be booked on celebritycruises.com.au/au/river or call 1800-965-876 to learn more or book.
