Celebrity Cruises, a renowned ocean cruise line, is venturing into river cruising with the launch of Celebrity River Cruises, set to begin in 2027. The Royal Caribbean Group, which owns Celebrity, has ordered 10 new river ships, featuring modern designs inspired by their Celebrity Edge-class ocean vessels. Jason Liberty, CEO of the Royal Caribbean Group, emphasized that this initiative is a significant growth opportunity and not merely a side project. The first two river ships will debut in 2027, with additional vessels rolling out annually until 2029.
Celebrity recognizes that about half of its guests have experienced river cruises and aims to cater to this market with a unique experience. While specific European river routes remain undisclosed, the ships are designed to offer the luxury and service associated with Celebrity Cruises. River fares are expected to be higher than those of ocean cruises, reflecting the all-inclusive nature of river voyages.
Celebrity’s expansion into river cruising capitalizes on the existing loyalty of guests to the Celebrity brand. Additionally, children’s programming will be developed, though river ships typically have limited amenities for younger passengers due to size constraints. Overall, this new venture aligns Celebrity Cruises with current market trends while still emphasizing the distinct experiences they provide.
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