AMSTERDAM -- When Celebrity begins operating Europe river cruises in 2027, it will have four excursion categories -- including an exclusive, once-per-cruise experience described as providing "moments so elevated, you won't believe they're happening."
The excursion categories are Storyteller Series, Keys to the City Series, Skillmaster Series and Celebrity Takeover Series. Besides that last category, these excursions will be available for pre- and post-cruise stays as well as during Europe river cruises.
The Storyteller Series, as the name suggests, focuses on the stories of a destination. Locals will connect with passengers. For example, guests in Amsterdam can do a canal cruise led by a captain who will describe the city's relationship with water and show secret passageways.
The Keys to the City Series is tech-forward, with Celebrity providing a digital platform with curated maps, enabling guests to independently explore a destination according to their own interests.
On its website, Celebrity said guests will "explore independently but never without insight. We paved the way with curated experiences and exclusive access to the places you won't want to miss. You're free to wander while always feeling connected to the destination, to each other, and to us."
The Skillmaster Series "invites guests to actively participate in culture," said Celebrity president Laura Hodges Bethge. Examples include cooking and crafting experiences, such as visiting the Van Gogh Museum and then taking an art class inspired by Van Gogh. In Budapest, a local grandmother will teach guests old Hungarian recipes from her home.
The Celebrity Takeover Series will happen once per sailing, delivering a "one-of-a-kind, bespoke experience," Hodges Bethge said. The experience is meant to be a bucket-list one that will be the highlight of the trip.
"Think iconic locations or turning an unassuming plaza into an elevated private event," hinted Hodges Bethge.
On its website, Celebrity says the once-per-cruise experience will provide "moments so elevated, you won't believe they're happening. These experiences are so exclusive, they're not on anyone's bucket list, because they never existed until we created them. You'll be surprised by what we can pull off, and that's exactly the point."
"Celebrity River Cruises guests will return home with stories no one else can tell," Hodges Bethge said.