Priority access for Celebrity River Cruises’ first sailings will open on Wednesday 3 September, the line confirmed on Tuesday (19 August).
Access will open at 2pm BST allowing agents to place fully refundable £400 (€450 / US $500) deposits on behalf of their clients.
This will provide early access to Celebrity River Cruises’ first sailings, and also first sight of the brand’s itineraries and its stateroom plans.
Voyages will go on sale at an as-yet-unspecified later date whereby those with priority access will be given the first opportunity to convert their deposits into full bookings.
“We are excited to offer guests the chance to experience the first-ever Celebrity River Cruises vacations in 2027," said Celebrity president Laura Hodges Bethge.
Celebrity earlier this year confirmed it had placed an order for 10 river ships, which it said it would launch on Europe’s "most iconic rivers" from 2027.
Agents welcomed the launch, praising its potential to shake up the river sector, provide competition for existing operators and attract new customers to the brand.
The brand will debut on the Danube and Rhine rivers, joining an increasingly competitive market poised to welcome launches by Trafalgar and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.
’Celebrity has a chance to deliver the first luxury river ship designed for all’
Celebrity says its river ships will offer guests "360-degree views" and unique land experiences, boast "elevated design and style" drawing from its Edge series of ocean ships and bring the "best-in-class hospitality [and] award-winning food and beverage experiences" from its ocean operation.
"Celebrity River Cruises is a natural extension of Celebrity’s premium offering that will bring its unique service-first approach to the river," said the line.
"Guests will get the keys to sail through the heart of culturally and historically significant cities, experience locally inspired cuisine and unique shore experiences."
Fares will include all meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, WiFi, onboard experiences and one shore excursion each day.
Agents will also be able to book their clients onto pre- or post-cruise stays in Prague and Budapest when bookings open for these in 2026.
Speaking earlier this year, Jason Liberty, president and chief executive of Celebrity parent Royal Caribbean Group, said launching into the river sector would deepen the brand’s engagement with existing customers and keep more guests in the Celebrity eco-system.
