Celebrity Cruises is set to make a significant entry into the river cruise market, with plans to unveil all-inclusive itineraries on the renowned Rhine and Danube rivers starting in 2027. This announcement comes from Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, who presented the news during the company’s 2025 President’s Cruise aboard the Celebrity Apex.
All-Inclusive River Cruises
According to Hodges Bethge, the company’s river cruises are designed to be fully inclusive, covering essential amenities such as drinks, Wi-Fi, and one shore excursion per port of call. “The intention is that our river cruises will be all-inclusive," said Hodges Bethge. She emphasized that additional options will be available for those who want upgrades during their cruise experience.
A Focus on Iconic European Rivers
The inaugural voyages will focus on the iconic Rhine and Danube rivers, which are among the most requested destinations by travelers. “We’re intending for it to basically be an all-included product,” noted Hodges Bethge, underlining the commitment to meet customer expectations.
Following the initial routes, Celebrity Cruises plans to expand its offerings across all major European rivers. “What we’ve also announced is that we will be on all of the big European rivers. So, over time, we will get to all of them,” she added, indicating a broader vision for the company’s river cruise portfolio.
Phased Rollout Plan
The rollout of this new initiative will commence with two river ships set to launch in 2027. This will be followed by the addition of four more vessels in 2028 and another four in 2029, ultimately bringing the fleet to a total of 10 ships. “When we placed our initial order, we were also very clear and honest that this is not a hobby for us. We are getting into the river business and we intend to be a major player,” exclaimed Hodges Bethge. She reassured enthusiasts that this initial fleet would likely be just the beginning, with more ships to follow.
Standing Out in the Market
Celebrity Cruises’ commitment to an all-inclusive model places it in a unique position within the European river cruise market. While many competitors offer inclusions, they are often provided as add-ons rather than standard components of the cruise experience. By establishing a comprehensive package, Celebrity aims to redefine traveler expectations and enhance customer satisfaction.
In summary, Celebrity Cruises is poised to reshape the river cruise landscape with a strong focus on all-inclusive packages and iconic European routes. As the company sets sail into this new territory, it aims to become a formidable contender, tapping into the growing demand for enriching travel experiences on the Rhine and Danube rivers.
For more information about the upcoming river cruises by Celebrity, visit their official site here. For broader details on European river cruising options, check out Cruise Critic.
