Celebrity Cruises Launches New River Cruise Brand
Celebrity Cruises has officially entered the river cruise market with the announcement of Celebrity River Cruises. The upmarket cruise line, part of the Royal Caribbean Group, revealed its plans on January 28, 2025. This new venture aims to meet the growing demand for intimate and culturally enriching travel experiences. Celebrity River Cruises will eventually operate ten ships, primarily in Europe, although specific details about the ships and itineraries remain limited.
Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, expressed excitement about this new direction. He stated, “We’re thrilled to announce our entry into the river cruise market through our Celebrity Cruises premium travel brand.” Liberty emphasized that the new river ships will embody the premium elements and design features of Celebrity’s Edge-class vessels. The decision to expand into river cruising was influenced by guest feedback, which indicated a strong interest in this type of vacation. Liberty noted that nearly half of their guests have either experienced or plan to experience a river cruise.
Details of Ship Design and Itineraries Are Yet to Come
While the specifics regarding ship design and itineraries are still under wraps, Royal Caribbean Group has not disclosed the shipyard where the new vessels will be constructed. However, it is likely that the ships will be built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France, as all Edge-class ships have been constructed there. The announcement hinted at sailing iconic European rivers, but no specific itineraries were provided. Typically, river cruises in Europe navigate popular waterways such as the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhone, Elbe, and Douro.
River ships generally accommodate between 150 and 220 guests and are significantly smaller than contemporary mega-ships, measuring about 400 feet in length and weighing between 3,000 to 4,000 gross tons. This smaller size allows for quicker construction times. Few cruise lines operate both river and ocean-going ships, with Viking being the most notable example. Celebrity Cruises is also continuing its focus on ocean-going vessels, having recently confirmed the order of a sixth Edge-class ship, set for delivery in 2028. This new ship, named Celebrity Xcel, will be based in Fort Lauderdale and will offer seven-night Caribbean cruises starting in November 2025.
Source: https://www.cruisehive.com/
