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Celebrity Cruises introduces a new way to travel on rivers with the launch of an expanded Destination Discovery program designed to help guests gain a deeper understanding of the places they visit.
Announced on March 13, 2026, the new land-based program features four carefully curated experience categories that blend local insights, cultural immersion, independent exploration and exclusive activities. These experiences will be available on all Celebrity River Cruises itineraries in 2027 and 2028, as well as pre- and post-cruise accommodations in Prague, Budapest and Amsterdam.
“Our goal is to create a river cruise vacation where each destination feels personal and memorable,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises.
Explore Europe in a more immersive way
Celebrity Cruises says its Destination Discovery program is designed to make two days feel different. The itinerary does not focus solely on traditional sightseeing, but instead offers experiences that bring visitors closer to the culture, people and stories of each city.
The new programming includes four categories: Storyteller Series, Skill Master Series, City Keys Series and Celebrity Takeover Series.
Storyteller Series offers local-led experiences
The Storyteller Series features shore-based experiences guided by residents, artists and cultural insiders who understand each destination from a personal perspective.
Guests can choose from a variety of options in each port, with each experience combining famous landmarks and little-known local stories.
Amsterdam through the eyes of a canal captain
In Amsterdam, this is exemplified by the experience of a canal captain who also shares the city’s long relationship with water. Guests will explore hidden waterways, visit historic sites like the Old Church, board a Dutch merchant ship, and learn about the city's past and modern canal engineering.
Prague’s brewing culture comes alive
In Prague, beer lovers can experience the city through the eyes of local brewers. This tour highlights Prague's brewing tradition, visiting historic breweries like U Vejvodu Tavern and beer-style artisan shops. Along the way, guests will discover how winemaking traditions have shaped the social and cultural life of the city for generations.
Skill Master Series focuses on practical cultural experience
The focus of the Skillmaster series is participation rather than observation. These include excursions where guests are invited to cook, craft and create with local artisans and makers.
Cooking with Grandma in Budapest
In Budapest, guests can enjoy a home-style cooking experience with a local mom or grandma. After visiting the Central Market Hall to collect ingredients, participants return to the kitchen to prepare traditional Hungarian dishes while learning about family recipes and culinary traditions passed down from generation to generation.
Paintings inspired by Van Gogh in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, another Skill Master experience invites guests into the world of art. After visiting the Van Gogh Museum, visitors will take part in a painting class led by a local artist. This tour is designed to help guests better understand Van Gogh's inspiration, technique and emotional use of color.
City Keys series helps guests explore independently
The City Keys Collection is Celebrity River Cruises’ technology-driven option for travelers who prefer to explore on their own while still benefiting from expert guidance.
Through the digital platform, guests can access curated itineraries tailored to interests such as architecture, art, gastronomy or history. The platform includes interactive maps, audio guides and video content to help guests discover places beyond the usual tourist routes.
Bratislava itineraries built around personal interests
In Bratislava, for example, architecture-minded travelers can follow a route that includes St. Martin's Cathedral, Bratislava Castle, and the UFO Bridge, hearing insights from local historians and architects along the way.
Those more interested in food and drink can choose the route that introduces authentic Slovak flavours, from traditional pubs run by a generation of brewers to family-run pastry shops where bakers share long-held recipes.
This flexible format allows guests to shape their own day while still enjoying exclusive behind-the-scenes access and local connections.
Celebrity takeover series brings exclusive bucket list moments
The Celebrity Takeover Collection will be offered once per sailing and is designed to create outstanding holiday memories.
These unique experiences will transform major European attractions and even lesser-known public spaces into private events for guests of exquisite river cruises. Celebrities say these bespoke experiences are intended to be the defining highlight of every cruise, but specific examples have yet to be revealed.
Pre- and post-cruise accommodations extend the experience beyond the ship
In addition to onshore experiences during the cruise, Celebrity Cruises will also offer multi-day accommodations before and after the cruise, following the same small-group, locally-led philosophy.
From 2027, the accommodations will be available in Prague and Budapest, with Amsterdam joining in 2028.
What is included in a long-term stay?
Each pre- and post-cruise package will include premium hotel accommodations, daily breakfast, airport transfers, daily small-group tours with local hosts, and dedicated concierge services for dining reservations and private experiences.
Celebrity said the goal is to create a seamless journey from arrival to departure, allowing guests to enjoy the same premium experience on land and on board.
When will reservations open?
Celebrity River Cruises sailings are on sale now.
Reservations for pre- and post-cruise accommodations in 2027 and 2028 will open this summer. All other destination experiences will be available for booking in 2027.
final thoughts
With this new destination discovery program, Celebrity River Cruises clearly aims to differentiate itself in the growing river cruise market.
By combining local experiences, hands-on cultural activities, independent digital exploration and exclusive one-off events, the cruise line is positioning its river offering as a more immersive and personalized way to visit Europe.
These new experiences can be a big draw for tourists looking for something other than traditional sightseeing.
Would you like to take a Celebrity River Cruise? Let me know in the comments below.
Happy cruising!
Ethan
