When Celebrity Cruises opened public bookings for its first-ever river voyages on 25th September 2025, nobody expected the entire season to vanish so quickly. Less than five hours later, it was gone... just weeks after priority access sold out in a record-breaking six minutes. The message is clear: Celebrity’s river debut is one of the hottest tickets in travel.
Celebrity Cruises has made its mark on the river cruise market before the first ship has even set sail. Following a lightning-fast sell-out of priority access earlier this month, the brand’s full 2027 inaugural river cruise season officially launched to the public on 25th September and was completely sold out in less than five hours.
Early September 2025: Celebrity opened a Priority Access program, allowing guests to place a fully refundable US $500 deposit to secure the first chance at bookings. Every one of those priority slots was snapped up in just six minutes.
25th September 2025: The full public launch opened. Despite increased inventory, the enthusiasm continued, and within five hours the 2027 season was completely sold out.
The response confirms Celebrity’s bold entry into the river cruise world is not only well-timed but deeply anticipated.
Celebrity is debuting two purpose-built ships in 2027 - Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker - sailing on the Rhine and Danube.
Highlights include:
Itineraries: 33 seven-night voyages including Amsterdam to Basel, Vienna to Budapest, and seasonal Christmas Market cruises.
Design: Contemporary styling inspired by Celebrity’s ocean-going Edge Class, with open decks and sleek interiors.
Innovations: The Magic Edge, a cantilevered dining experience over the river, plus Infinite Verandas adapted for the river market.
All-inclusive model: Fares will cover meals, Wi-Fi, drinks, onboard activities and one shore excursion per day.
Capacity: Approximately 172 guests per ship, blending luxury with intimacy.
1. Unprecedented demand
The two-phase sell-out proves there is extraordinary appetite for a fresh entrant in river cruising.
2. Strength of brand loyalty
Celebrity has successfully leveraged its reputation in ocean cruising to capture attention and secure bookings years in advance.
3. Competitive shake-up
This launch puts pressure on established river operators to elevate their offerings.
4. The rise of early booking
Travelers are locking in river voyages nearly two years ahead of sailing, especially for premium products.
5. Buzz for what comes next
With the entire season gone in hours, the travel world will be watching to see if Celebrity expands its river fleet even further.
With its inaugural 2027 river season selling out at record speed, Celebrity Cruises has shown that demand for luxury river cruising is stronger than ever. For travellers, the message is clear - when the next release opens, it will pay to be first in line. If you would like to be among the first to hear when new Celebrity River Cruise itineraries are announced, get in touch with our team today. We can register your interest and make sure you are ready to secure your place before the best cabins are gone.