Celebrity takes to the rivers

CELEBRITY Cruises is getting ready to roll out its river- cruising product. The cruise line, better known for ocean cruising, promises river ships with open decks, spacious staterooms, unmatched dining and Celebrity’s signature elevated hospitality. And it’s offering guests the chance to travel the Rhine and the Danube the Celebrity way. Priority booking access is now open for 2027 sailings on the groundbreaking Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker – guests can place a fully refundable £400 (R8 840) deposit to claim a stateroom on one of these two new ships. Open decks Onboard the two ships, revolutionary open decks offer the most usable outdoor space of any river ship and they remain accessible throughout the entire journey, giving guests uninterrupted, 360-degree views. Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker will offer those onboard the chance to dine floating above the river on the Magic Edge – the first- ever cantilevered dining pods – while enjoying regional, destination-driven culinary offerings. Shaded areas and a top- deck bar and grill maximise cruisers’ time on deck while offering zones for every mood, whether it be socialising or disconnecting, in a space designed for year- round comfort. An infinity- edge plunge pool means a chance to cool off while taking in the sights. Innovation Celebrity River Cruises’ ships will set sail with an innovative hull, a lightweight versatile design that improves river navigation. Celebrity’s fleet of river ships advances Royal Caribbean Group’s commitment to sustainability. The ships are equipped with the best-in-class hybrid propulsion system, as well as waste management systems, alongside advanced technology to reduce noise and vibration. Elegance Innovative stateroom design across five categories delivers intuitive storage, enhanced configuration and spacious balconies. Rooms feature residential interior design and the most in-room amenities on the river. All guests enjoy complimentary stocked mini bars and destination- inspired amenities – the comfort of luxury linens, bedding, bathrobes and slippers. Suite guests will enjoy the services of a dedicated, on-demand butler, complimentary exclusive dining, room service and happy hour experiences, complimentary laundry once each sailing, and priority booking for shore excursions. The first-ever Skylight Infinite Balcony Suites feature a separate living area and a ceiling window for unbeatable natural light. Vista Balcony Suites and Balcony staterooms offer private escapes with an enhanced design for more usable outdoor space to enjoy a coffee or unwind after a day on shore. The Infinite Balcony stateroom brings the outside in, while River View staterooms offer generous natural light. Flavours Guests will enjoy dining at eight restaurants and bars, all with the unmatched hospitality Celebrity Cruises is known for. Destination-driven menus that evolve throughout each itinerary deliver local delicacies, from locally- baked morning pastries to regionally-inspired dinners. Complimentary breakfast room service and flexible, all day dining mean 24/7 meal options on the river. World-class 33 seven-night sailings on the Rhine and Danube in 2027 will take guests through the heart of Europe’s culture. They will taste regional wines, walk cobbled village streets and enjoy the new perspective each day offers. Think of private wine tastings in Austria, thermal baths in Budapest, cycling the riverbanks of the Danube. Pre- and post-cruise stays, available to book during 2026, can extend guests’ time in iconic cities, all seamlessly arranged by the cruise line. Celebrity Cruises Captain’s Club members’ loyalty tiers extend to river holidays, giving members access to new and different rewards, recognition, and elevated experiences from ship to shore. Celebrity is represented by Cruises International in the South African market.