Celebrity Cruises Orders 10 More River Ships, Targets 20 by 2031

Celebrity Cruises has committed to 10 additional European river ships, a move that would bring Celebrity River Cruises to a 20-vessel fleet by 2031 as the brand prepares to launch in 2027 and opens bookings for its expanded 2028 season.

Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Jason Liberty linked the river expansion to early demand. “Guest demand for Celebrity River Cruises has exceeded our expectations, and expanding the fleet allows us to bring this highly anticipated experience to even more travelers,” Liberty said.

River build-out: what Celebrity has detailed for 2027 and 2028

The river program is scheduled to begin operations in 2027, starting with Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker. Construction is already underway on Celebrity Compass at the TeamCo shipyard in the Netherlands, where Celebrity marked the start of production with the first steel cut.

In 2028, Celebrity plans to add three more ships: Celebrity Wanderer, Celebrity Roamer and Celebrity Boundless. Beyond the first five vessels, Celebrity has not detailed construction timelines for the remaining ships included in the 10-ship expansion.

• 2027 start-up: Celebrity River Cruises is scheduled to debut with two ships, Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker, with Celebrity Compass already in production at TeamCo in the Netherlands.
• 2028 capacity increase: Celebrity Wanderer, Celebrity Roamer and Celebrity Boundless are slated to join the fleet, expanding the program to five ships and supporting a larger itinerary portfolio.
• 2031 fleet target: Celebrity has announced a goal of 20 river ships in Europe by 2031, but has not provided a ship-by-ship delivery schedule beyond the initial group.

Bookings open for 2028 with more sailings and a wider destination set

Celebrity has opened bookings for its 2028 European river season, outlining more than 160 sailings and an itinerary footprint reaching over 50 destinations. The company described the season as an 80% increase in European destinations compared with its inaugural 2027 deployment.

The 2028 schedule highlights expanded coverage of the Rhine and Danube, including 24 ports across the two core waterways. Celebrity has also pointed to themed departures such as tulip-time sailings and Christmas market itineraries, and said the itineraries are designed to span multiple stretches of the rivers, including lower and upper river cruising.

Pricing for the 2028 river program was not provided in the announcements.

Demand signals and how Celebrity is positioning river cruising

Celebrity’s early sales have been a key part of the expansion narrative. The company has said its inaugural 2027 season sold out in under six minutes, and Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge has described the rapid sell-through as a sign that travelers are responding to the brand’s approach on the rivers.

In discussing the expanded 2028 program, Hodges Bethge said, “To meet this extraordinary demand, we’re thrilled to open 2028 sailings featuring 80% more European destinations, five ships, and more than 160 itineraries.”

Celebrity has also framed the river product as an extension of its broader vacation portfolio, describing a “connected vacation experience” in which guests can combine river and ocean trips under the same brand.

Royal Caribbean Group’s parallel push: a new Discovery-class ocean platform

The river investment comes alongside a separate shipbuilding commitment on the ocean side. Royal Caribbean Group has ordered two Discovery-class ships for Royal Caribbean International from Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France, with delivery dates set for 2029 and 2032 and options for four additional vessels.

Liberty described the new class as a design-led step forward: “These ships will be a showcase of what’s possible when design meets purpose, ultimately bringing the world closer to our guests.” Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley also previewed the intent for the new platform, saying it “puts our guests at the center of it all.”

The company has not disclosed tonnage, capacity, or onboard features for Discovery class. It has characterized the ships as mid-sized and smaller than the line’s Icon Class, a configuration it expects will provide flexibility and access to a broader range of ports, including itineraries such as Alaska and other destinations better suited to more navigable ship sizes.

Shipyard relationships and what remains unspecified

Royal Caribbean Group’s deal with Chantiers de l’Atlantique extends a partnership that dates back to 1985. Over the decades, the French shipbuilder has delivered 21 vessels to the company, including ships in the Sovereign and Oasis classes.

For both the ocean and river orders, key details remain to be filled in. Royal Caribbean Group has not yet detailed Discovery-class specifications, and Celebrity has not outlined build timing beyond the first five river ships. Celebrity has also described Discovery class as expected to incorporate advanced fuel-saving systems and environmentally efficient technology as part of broader efforts to reduce emissions, but the company has not released technical specifics.

With Celebrity Compass already in production and 2028 itineraries on sale, the next milestones will be the operational launch of Celebrity River Cruises in 2027 and the continued build-out of the first five ships, while Royal Caribbean Group works toward its first Discovery-class delivery in 2029.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When does Celebrity River Cruises begin sailing?

Celebrity River Cruises is scheduled to launch in 2027, starting with Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker.

How many ships will Celebrity River Cruises have in Europe?

Celebrity has committed to a total of 20 European river cruise ships by 2031, following an order for 10 additional vessels.

What is included in Celebrity’s 2028 river season?

The 2028 season is open for booking and includes more than 160 sailings to over 50 European destinations. Celebrity has highlighted expanded Rhine and Danube offerings, including 24 ports, along with seasonal themes such as tulip-time and Christmas market itineraries.

When will the first Discovery-class ship debut?

The first Discovery-class ship is scheduled for delivery in 2029, followed by a second vessel in 2032. The agreement with Chantiers de l’Atlantique also includes options for four additional ships.

Where is Celebrity Compass being built?

Celebrity Compass is being built at the TeamCo shipyard in the Netherlands and is planned to enter service in 2027.