When Celebrity Cruises enters the European river cruise market in 2027, passengers will be able to check out a new series of on-land discovery programmes to offer immersion experiences that “connects guests to Europe more personally than anything the river cruise industry has offered before”.
The new programmes are available across all 2027 and 2028 Celebrity River Cruises itineraries, and pre- and post-cruise stays in Prague, Budapest and Amsterdam.
The locals-led excursions are split into four categories, available for pre- and post-cruise stays as well as during Europe river cruises.
The Storyteller Series offers experiences guided by residents, artists, and cultural insiders sharing personal favourites and hidden stories only locals know, such as a canal captain in Amsterdam or local brewer in Prague.
The Skillmaster Series gives guests a hands-on day to craft, cook, and create alongside the artisans and makers of each destination. This could be cooking with a local Mamika (grandmother) in Budapest, or a painting class with a local artist in Amsterdam.
The Keys to the City Series gives guests the autonomy to explore on their own via interactive maps that take them through curated routes. Here, stationed local hosts provide behind-the-scenes access and exclusive experiences at working studios and craft sites.
Lastly, the Celebrity Takeover Series will happen just once per sailing – typically an indulgent bucket-list experience designed to be the defining point of the trip.
“Celebrity River Cruises guests will return home with stories no one else can tell,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises.
Related: What to expect on Celebrity Cruises' new river sailings