PHOTOS: New luxury ships to dock in Budapest from 2027!

Celebrity Cruises will launch two new ships on the Danube and Rhine from 2027. Destinations include Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, Nuremberg, and Amsterdam. According to the company, the ships’ design is reminiscent of previous ocean liners, but adapted to the river environment. The plans also include sightseeing and festive programs. According to Laura Hodges Bethge, president of the company, their goal is to bring passengers as close as possible to the sights. Budapest will also be available as a starting point for Hungarian passengers.

Celebrity Cruises will offer river cruises starting in 2027 on two of Europe’s most famous rivers, the Danube and the Rhine. Their new ships, the Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker, bring the Edge series design known from ocean cruisers to the continent’s inland waters, featuring open decks, spacious cabins, and varied cuisine.

“Celebrity River Cruises’ ships are the most innovative means of transportation on rivers, offering more space for relaxation and bringing passengers even closer to their destinations,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. She added: The design of the ships is patent-protected and aims to provide guests with the smoothest possible experience.

Budapest, Vienna, and the Wachau

The Danube programs showcase Budapest in a special light: passengers stay in the city overnight so they can experience the capital’s evening atmosphere. However, the ships do not only stop here. Vienna’s classic coffee houses and concert halls, as well as the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage wine region, are also among the stops. A walk in Bratislava gives guests a glimpse of Central Europe.

“The appeal of the Danube routes is that you can discover three European capitals and numerous cultural attractions in a short period of time. This is particularly convenient for Hungarian travellers, as they can even join the tour from Budapest,” emphasised Zita Szabados, travel expert at Tengerjáró.hu.

German Christmas, Dutch New Year’s Eve

During the winter season, the Rhine and Danube routes also take on a festive atmosphere. The Christmas markets in Nuremberg and Regensburg, the Advent lights in Vienna, and the festive decorations in Bratislava’s old town make for a magical cruise. On the Rhine, Amsterdam’s New Year’s Eve programs and the castles of the Rhine region offer an unforgettable experience.

According to Zita Szabados, these programs may also be attractive to Hungarian travellers: “On a river cruise, you can visit several markets without having to change hotels. This is what makes the holiday schedules so special.”

A premium experience on board

The concept of the two ships is based on the feeling of being outdoors. Dining pods extending over the river, an infinity pool, and a walk-around upper deck ensure that the landscape always remains the centre of attention. In the cabins, the brand’s signature Infinite Balcony brings the river into the room, and suite travellers also enjoy personal butler service.

The gastronomic offering includes eight restaurants and bars, including Celebrity favourites Martini Bar and Café Al Bacio. Menus vary from region to region, and guests also have the unique opportunity to dine 24 hours a day at the river market.

Priority Booking Access is already available for 2027 voyages: cabins can be reserved with a fully refundable deposit of USD 500. Details are available in Hungarian or English on the rccl.hu website.

Read more travel-related news on Daily News Hungary.

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