For many travellers, the most memorable moments happen before a cruise even begins or after the final farewell on board. An extra day discovering a city, sharing a meal with locals or wandering through neighbourhoods beyond the guidebooks often becomes just as rewarding as the voyage itself. Celebrity River Cruises is embracing that idea with the launch of its new Before and After Stays, available from 2027.
The new two- and three-night programmes can be booked either before or after a river cruise. Prague and Budapest will be the first destinations available in 2027, followed by Amsterdam and Lausanne from 2028.
Rather than simply offering additional hotel nights, Celebrity River Cruises has developed fully curated destination experiences designed to immerse guests in each city. The focus is on discovering local culture, history and everyday life, while maintaining the premium service guests can expect throughout their holiday.
Every stay includes accommodation in a centrally located premium or luxury hotel, daily breakfast, transfers between hotel and ship, and one included Discovery Collection experience each day. Guests can choose from at least three themed excursions, allowing them to explore each destination through their own interests, whether that is history, gastronomy, art or contemporary culture.
A key part of the concept is the introduction of Local Storytellers. Rather than following traditional tour guides, guests explore each city alongside local residents who reveal the places, stories and traditions that rarely appear in conventional sightseeing itineraries. Destination Insiders are also on hand to recommend authentic restaurants, hidden cafés, neighbourhood wine bars and lesser-known attractions, helping visitors experience each city from a local perspective.
Amsterdam, joining the programme in 2028, offers one of the most original experiences. Instead of focusing solely on the city’s famous canals and historic architecture, guests discover Amsterdam’s thriving street art scene with a contemporary artist who lives and works in the city. The experience leads through creative districts filled with large-scale murals before ending with the opportunity to contribute to a collaborative artwork, transforming visitors from spectators into participants.
Prague takes a similarly immersive approach. History enthusiasts can descend beneath the city into medieval fortifications, Cold War bunkers and hidden defensive structures, while other experiences explore Prague’s fascination with alchemists, Gothic legends and mysterious symbols scattered throughout the Old Town. Travellers with a passion for food and drink can instead discover centuries of Czech brewing traditions inside historic taverns and traditional beer houses.
According to Celebrity River Cruises, the Before and After Stays have been designed as a natural extension of the river cruise experience itself. Rather than rushing through a city on a brief excursion, guests are given the time and flexibility to discover each destination at a more relaxed pace.
The programme forms part of Celebrity River Cruises’ wider European expansion. The cruise line will offer 33 sailings on the Rhine and Danube in 2027, visiting more than 50 destinations, before increasing that number to 160 departures in 2028.
Alongside Europe’s iconic cities, the itineraries continue to highlight smaller towns and regional communities where local food, craftsmanship and cultural traditions remain an integral part of daily life. Celebrity River Cruises also says it is working closely with regional organisations, artisans, farmers and cultural institutions to help preserve local heritage while creating meaningful economic opportunities for communities along Europe’s rivers.
Pictures Celebrity Cruises.
Contact us for more information about Celebrity Cruises.
Sign up for our newsletter and receive more travel tips and inspiration!