Celebrity River Cruises has introduced a new destination discovery program designed to accompany its European itineraries beginning in 2027. The initiative is structured around four categories of experiences intended to provide passengers with direct engagement in the cultural and historical context of the regions visited during a voyage.
The program will be available across all itineraries scheduled for 2027 and 2028 and will also extend to pre- and post-cruise stays in cities including Prague, Budapest, and Amsterdam. The experiences are designed to complement the cruise itinerary by combining guided cultural activities with opportunities for independent exploration.
Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, stated that the program had been developed to strengthen the connection between passengers and the destinations visited along European rivers. She explained that the company aimed to create experiences that would allow travellers to engage with local culture in a more personal manner while pairing these shore activities with the onboard environment designed for relaxation and social interaction.
The first component of the program, known as the Storyteller Series, consists of guided excursions led by local residents, artists, and cultural specialists. These activities are designed to move beyond standard sightseeing by presenting destinations through the perspectives of individuals closely connected to the area. In Amsterdam, for example, guests may accompany a canal captain who describes the city’s historical relationship with water while navigating lesser-known waterways and passing landmarks such as the Oude Kerk. In Prague, a local brewer may guide participants through the city’s brewing traditions, including visits to historic establishments such as the U Vejvodu Tavern.
A second component, the Skillmaster Series, focuses on participatory experiences that allow travellers to take part in traditional crafts or culinary practices. In Budapest, for instance, guests may visit the Central Market Hall with a local host before preparing Hungarian dishes using traditional recipes. In Amsterdam, an art-focused excursion includes a visit to the Van Gogh Museum followed by a painting session guided by a local artist inspired by the work of Vincent van Gogh.
The Keys to the City Series introduces a digital platform intended to support independent exploration of ports of call. Through interactive maps, audio commentary, and video content, passengers can follow routes tailored to personal interests such as architecture, gastronomy, or history. In Bratislava, for example, suggested routes include visits to St. Martin's Cathedral and Bratislava Castle, as well as the observation structure known as the UFO Bridge, where local hosts may provide commentary on the site’s architectural significance.
The final category, the Celebrity Takeover Series, consists of exclusive events arranged once during each sailing. These activities are intended to transform notable locations or public spaces into private experiences available only to passengers of the voyage, creating a distinctive highlight within the cruise itinerary.
In addition to the onboard and shore programs, Celebrity River Cruises will offer extended land packages before and after sailings. Beginning in 2027, multi-day stays will be available in Prague and Budapest, with Amsterdam added in 2028. These extensions include guided tours led by local hosts, hotel accommodation, concierge services, daily breakfast, and airport transfers, providing a continuous travel experience that links the land program with the river voyage.
Bookings for the pre- and post-cruise stays are scheduled to open during the summer, while reservations for the individual destination experiences will become available in 2027. Sailings for the 2027 and 2028 seasons are already open for booking.