On a Celebrity River Cruises vacation, no two days are the same because no two places are. Guided by this philosophy, the cruise line has developed a destination program that connects travelers to Europe more personally than anything the river cruise industry has offered before. These thoughtfully curated experiences are available across all 2027 and 2028 itineraries, including extended pre- and post-cruise stays in Prague, Budapest, and Amsterdam.
Through four unique experience categories, Celebrity ensures that guests return home with stories no one else can provide. According to Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, this connection to Europe goes beyond previous industry standards. The groundbreaking destination discovery options are paired with thoughtfully crafted spaces onboard designed to inspire relaxation. While guests enjoy their luxury stay in stylish suites or comfortable staterooms, these ships serve as the perfect home base for a journey that touches the soul of the continent.
The Storyteller Series offers included, locally led experiences that go far beyond what a standard guidebook can capture. This series is guided by residents, artists, and cultural insiders who call each destination home. In every port, guests can choose from multiple included experiences that balance iconic landmarks with the hosts’ personal favorites and hidden stories. In Amsterdam, for instance, a canal captain shares the city’s centuries-long relationship with water, taking guests through hidden passages that remain unseen by the general public. During this voyage, they admire the city’s oldest building, Oude Kerk, board a legendary Dutch trading ship, and learn about the impressive engineering of modern canals. In Prague, those who enjoy discovering a city through its flavors are led by a local brewer. From his unique perspective, guests explore historic breweries like the bustling U Vejvodu Tavern and visit artisanal shops where beer takes center stage, showing how centuries-old recipes shaped the Czech culture of celebration.
For those who prefer to actively participate in local culture, the Skillmaster Series features included, hands-on experiences. Guests cook and create alongside the artisans and makers who shape the cultural identity of each destination. In Budapest, a local Mamika (grandmother) opens her own kitchen to lead aspiring culinarians through generations-old Hungarian recipes. After selecting fresh ingredients at the local Central Market Hall, guests uncover the dishes that bring Budapest’s soul to the table through her treasured family secrets. In Amsterdam, a local artist leads a painting class that immerses guests in the imagination of Van Gogh. After exploring the painter’s works at the iconic Van Gogh Museum, travelers discover the specific settings that influenced his greatest masterpieces while learning the techniques he used to turn emotion into color and movement into meaning.
The Keys to the City Series provides a tech-driven way to explore ports of call independently, tailored to unique personal interests. Through an innovative digital platform, guests access curated route maps focused on specific passions such as art, history, food, or architecture. Interactive maps, audio guides, and video content lead guests off the beaten path to locations where stationed local hosts provide exclusive behind-the-scenes access to working studios and craft sites. Architecture enthusiasts in Bratislava can follow their curiosity from the coronation past of St. Martin’s Cathedral to the modern span of the UFO Bridge. Others can uncover authentic Slovak flavors, from raising a glass in a traditional pub to tasting delicate sweets in a family-run pastry shop where recipes have been passed down through decades. Guests shape their own path to uncover the stories of cities exactly as they choose.
A defining highlight of every sailing is the Celebrity Takeover Series. Once per cruise, a bespoke experience transforms famous European attractions or unassuming plazas into elevated private events available only to Celebrity River Cruises guests. These indulgent, one-of-a-kind experiences are designed to be the standout memory of the entire vacation. To complete the journey, guests can extend their stay with multi-day pre- and post-cruise packages that carry the same philosophy of small-group discovery. Available in Prague and Budapest starting in 2027, and Amsterdam in 2028, each stay includes tours with local hosts, premium hotel accommodations, dedicated concierge service for dining reservations, and seamless airport transfers. The result is a worry-free, end-to-end journey from arrival to departure, where the luxury onboard experience and deep destination discovery flow perfectly together.
Pictures Celebrity Cruises.
Contact us for more information about Celebrity Cruises.
Sign up for our newsletter and receive more travel tips and inspiration!