Celebrity Compass: Celebrity Cruises’ New River Ship for European Journeys

Published on December 2, 2025

In a bold move to expand its footprint in the river cruise market, Celebrity Cruises has announced that it will be the title sponsor of the ASTA River Cruise Expo for both 2026 and 2027. This partnership marks a significant step for the brand as it prepares to debut its first river cruise vessels in 2027, bringing a new level of luxury to Europe’s rivers.

As the event sponsor, Celebrity Cruises will have a strong presence at the 2026 River Cruise Expo taking place from March 11 to 15, 2026, in Amsterdam. During the event, the brand will host key presentations, including a fireside chat with Celebrity executives and ASTA CEO Zane Kerby, providing attendees with an exclusive opportunity to learn about the new river cruise offerings and how they can best promote them to clients. Additionally, Celebrity Cruises will be featured prominently during the welcome reception and throughout the expo’s programming.

Celebrity’s Entry into the River Cruise Market

Celebrity Cruises’ foray into river cruising will begin with the launch of two new ships, Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker, slated to debut in 2027. These vessels will introduce a blend of the cruise line’s signature luxury and the intimate experience of river cruising, offering a fresh take on European river travel. Expect features that have become synonymous with Celebrity’s ocean-going ships, including the Martini Bar, Sunset Bar, and the renowned Café al Bacio coffee shop. In addition to these, Celebrity’s river ships will feature a unique dining pod called Magic Edge, inspired by the Magic Carpet platform from Celebrity’s Edge-class ships.

The design of the Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker will follow the sleek, modern aesthetic seen in Celebrity’s ocean vessels, bringing a touch of contemporary luxury to the rivers of Europe. These ships are expected to cater to the growing demand for all-inclusive luxury river cruising, offering included shore excursions, meals, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), Wi-Fi, and 24-hour dining service. These inclusions will make Celebrity’s river cruises especially appealing to those seeking a seamless, stress-free travel experience.

Exclusivity and Innovation: What’s to Expect from Celebrity’s New River Ships

Celebrity’s river vessels will offer guests a more exclusive and innovative experience than many of the existing options in the market. Among the standout features is the Skylight Infinite Balcony, a revolutionary suite design that allows for unobstructed views of the riverside landscapes, bringing a new level of luxury to the river cruise experience. This feature will be a first for river cruising, providing an elevated experience for travellers who wish to enjoy panoramic views from the comfort of their suites.

As with its ocean cruises, Celebrity is aiming to set a new standard in river cruising with a focus on high-end design, bespoke experiences, and exceptional customer service. The inclusion of popular ocean amenities on river ships signals Celebrity’s commitment to providing a familiar yet exclusive experience that travellers can enjoy while exploring Europe’s most famous rivers, including the Danube and Rhine.

Itinerary Highlights and Booking Insights

Celebrity’s inaugural river cruises will primarily sail through Europe, offering a range of 7-night itineraries across the Danube and Rhine Rivers. These itineraries will include overnight stays in major cities, providing guests ample time to explore the destinations beyond the cruising experience. With a focus on cultural immersion, these sailings will allow travellers to enjoy some of Europe’s most iconic landmarks, vineyards, and castles. Additionally, guests will have the opportunity to partake in themed sailings, such as Christmas market and New Year’s Eve cruises, offering a truly unique seasonal experience.

Celebrity Cruises has already opened priority booking access for the 2027 sailings, with a strong demand that quickly led to sell-outs for the early booking period. For travel advisors, this early interest presents a lucrative opportunity to market these exclusive voyages to clients ahead of the public booking window. As more information about Celebrity’s river offerings becomes available, travel agents will have the chance to position themselves as experts in this exciting new segment of the cruise market.

Implications for Travel Advisors and Industry Outlook

The ASTA River Cruise Expo in 2026 will be an essential event for travel advisors, providing a unique chance to engage with Celebrity’s new river cruise offerings. As the title sponsor, Celebrity Cruises will offer comprehensive training and resources to help agents sell their river cruise products effectively. For travel advisors, the chance to get first-hand information on Celebrity’s river offerings, including ship features, itineraries, and sales techniques, will be invaluable in keeping their clients ahead of the curve.

Celebrity’s partnership with ASTA also serves to strengthen its position in the competitive European river cruise market. With established lines like Viking and AmaWaterways leading the charge, Celebrity’s entry into the sector brings fresh innovation and a luxurious twist to an already popular segment. By blending the best of both ocean and river cruising, Celebrity is set to appeal to high-end travellers seeking a seamless, immersive journey through Europe’s cultural heartlands.

A New Era of River Cruising Awaits

In conclusion, Celebrity Cruises’ sponsorship of the ASTA River Cruise Expo in 2026 and 2027 marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the brand. With the upcoming debut of the Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker in 2027, travellers can expect a revolutionary approach to river cruising, combining the luxury of ocean cruises with the intimacy of river travel. For travel advisors, this is an unparalleled opportunity to be part of a new wave in river cruising, as Celebrity sets its sights on reshaping the landscape of European river vacations.