Celebrity Cruises has unveiled a new destination discovery program for its upcoming Celebrity River Cruises sailings, introducing a range of curated onshore experiences designed to deepen travellers’ connections with European destinations.

The program features four distinct experience categories, each aimed at delivering cultural immersion and exclusive access in ports of call across Europe. The experiences will be available on all 2027 and 2028 Celebrity River Cruises itineraries as well as pre- and post-cruise stays in Prague, Budapest and Amsterdam.

“On a Celebrity River Cruises vacation, no two days are the same because no two places are. We’ve built a destination program that connects guests to Europe more personally than anything the river cruise industry has offered before,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “With our groundbreaking destination discovery options, paired with thoughtfully crafted spaces onboard that inspire relaxation and connection, Celebrity River Cruises guests will return home with stories no one else can tell.”

Storyteller Series

The Storyteller Series will feature locally led experiences guided by residents, artists and cultural insiders who share personal perspectives on their destinations. Guests can choose from multiple included experiences per port. 

For example, in Amsterdam, a canal captain will introduce guests to the city’s long relationship with water while navigating lesser-known waterways. And in Prague, guests can explore the city’s brewing heritage with a local brewer, visiting historic establishments such as U Vejvodu Tavern while learning how centuries-old recipes shaped the city’s beer culture.

Skillmaster Series

The Skillmaster Series will provide interactive experiences led by artisans and local experts, allowing guests to participate directly in cultural traditions.

In Budapest, a local “Mamika” (grandmother) will guide travellers through traditional Hungarian cooking in her home kitchen. And in Amsterdam, travellers can take part in a painting workshop inspired by the work of Vincent van Gogh after visiting the Van Gogh Museum. 

Keys to the City Series

For guests who prefer a more independent experience, the Keys to the City Series will offer a digital platform featuring curated route maps and self-guided exploration tools. Travellers will have access to interactive maps, audio guides and video content designed around specific interests such as art, history, food and architecture. Along the routes, stationed local hosts will provide additional context and access to studios, workshops and other behind-the-scenes locations.

In Bratislava, for example, architecture-focused routes may include visits to St. Martin’s Cathedral and Bratislava Castle, as well as the modern UFO Bridge. Other experiences will focus on local culinary traditions, including visits to Slovak pubs and family-run pastry shops where guests can learn about regional recipes and brewing traditions.

Celebrity Takeover Series

The Celebrity Takeover Series will offer exclusive experiences once per sailing, transforming notable landmarks and public spaces into private events available only to Celebrity River Cruises guests. These bespoke events are designed to serve as signature moments during each sailing, offering access to locations or experiences typically unavailable to the public.

Pre- and Post-Cruise Stays

In addition to the new onshore experiences, Celebrity River Cruises will offer multi-day pre- and post-cruise stays beginning in 2027 in Prague and Budapest, with Amsterdam added in 2028.

The extensions will include small-group tours led by local hosts, premium hotel accommodations, concierge services for dining and private experiences, daily breakfast and airport transfers.

According to the cruise line, the program is intended to create a seamless travel experience that extends from arrival through the cruise itself and beyond.

Bookings for the pre- and post-cruise stays will open this summer, while reservations for the destination experiences will open in 2027. For more details, go to celebritycruises.com/river. 

Source: Travelweek
Lead image caption: Wachau, Austria — Credit Celebrity Cruises