Celebrity River Cruises offers priority booking access

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Updated on: Aug 19, 2025
Celebrity River Cruises' first itineraries will sail the Danube in 2027, with special holiday sailings on the Rhine.
Celebrity River Cruises' first itineraries will sail the Danube in 2027, with special holiday sailings on the Rhine. Photo Credit: Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity has revealed new details about its European river cruise line debuting in 2027.

In its frequently asked questions, Celebrity River Cruises said that guests who want to book early can pay $500 per cabin beginning Sept. 3 to secure priority booking access. The fee is a refundable deposit that will allow passengers to book river cruises before sailings are opened to the general public. 

Celebrity River Cruises has not announced when bookings will open but said it will give priority to deposit holders who are Captain's Club Zenith members, followed by Elite Plus members. Guests can also add a pre- or post-cruise stay in Prague or Budapest when booking.

"Guests will enjoy the warm hospitality Celebrity is known for, on innovative ships with land experiences unlike any other, as we set sail on Europe's iconic Danube and Rhine rivers," said Celebrity Cruises president Laura Hodges Bethge.

Celebrity had previously announced that its first itineraries will ply the Danube and Rhine rivers, and that it signed an initial order for 10 ships, which will be modeled after the company's Edge-class ocean ships.  

Celebrity said it would offer a "similar level of booking flexibility" for river cruises that the brand already offers on its ocean cruises. 

The first cruises will sail the Danube in 2027, with special holiday sailings on the Rhine, according to the line's FAQ. 

The line also revealed that children as young as 4 years old will be permitted to sail; passengers ages 4 to 18 must stay in a cabin with an adult. To book their own cabin, travelers must be over 18.

Alcoholic drinks, WiFi and one excursion per port will be included in the fare, a Celebrity spokesperson previously confirmed.

Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty indicated that about half of Royal Caribbean Group's guests have experienced or intend to take a river cruise. Travel advisors have said that Celebrity's loyal customer base and brand recognition could lure a younger crowd.

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