Royal Caribbean Group is bringing its Celebrity Cruises brand to the rivers of Europe, and the early signs suggest it's going to be a game-changer for the river cruise industry.
With ships being built by TeamCo Shipyard in partnership with some of the most respected names in vessel design, Celebrity is setting an ambitious course for a 2027 launch—and travel industry leaders are already paying attention.
TravelPulse was onsight in the Netherlands to get a sneak peek at the shipbuilding process alongside Royal Caribbean executives and travel advisors.
A Partnership Built for Precision
The ships are being constructed by TeamCo Shipyard, a facility established in 2005 that has already delivered approximately 160 vessels, specializing in inland ships as well as LPG and LNG carriers.
According to TeamCo’s managing director and owner, Marcel Zweers, these are some of the most innovative ships the company has ever constructed.
TeamCo’s first contact with Royal Caribbean came in November 2025, and in a remarkable show of momentum, construction began within a year of that initial conversation. The first ship is expected to launch in June 2027, with subsequent deliveries arriving every three months thereafter.
The interiors are being handled by Willemsen Interieurbouw, a family business operating since 1938 with 116 new-build inland river cruise ships under its belt and helmed by Toine Willemsen, CEO and owner. The company is currently scaling up to meet this new demand, working toward the production of seven to eight vessels per year. One of the major focuses of his construction and design process is keeping the ship light.
Construction of Celebrity Cruises' first river cruise vessel is underway in the Netherlands. (Photo Credit: Janeen Christoff)
Design That Pushes Boundaries
One of the central engineering challenges of river cruising is draft—how deep a ship sits in the water. Celebrity's new vessels have been designed specifically to minimize draft, allowing them to navigate in low-water conditions that would sideline less agile ships. At the same time, the design team has focused heavily on maximizing usable space for guests.
The top deck is being designed for maximum usability across varying weather and river conditions, featuring open spaces and innovative touches such as electric umbrellas and sliding balconies that add another layer of flexibility.
Vista Balcony Suite will offer 252 square feet of space. (Photo Credit: Celebrity Cruises)
Inside, the staterooms take cues from residential design, prioritizing a cozy, comfortable feel over a sometimes more utilitarian approach. Guests can expect fluffy duvets and artwork throughout the ship that pays homage to the destinations being visited. There will be five stateroom categories, including Vista Balcony suites and Infinite Balcony options, with 14 suites making up more than 15% of total stateroom capacity.
As we strolled through a mock up of the ship at Willemsen Interieurbouw, we noticed sticky notes placed throughout each space noting changes, questioning placements and highlighting subtle adjustments that need to be made. Needless to say, the staterooms we viewed are only a version of what is likely to be the final product.
Food, Wellness and Local Life
Celebrity is leaning hard into destination integration across every aspect of the onboard experience. The culinary program will feature six distinct dining spaces, all included in the base fare, with some specialty options available for an additional cost. Popular Edge-class venues such as Cafe al Bacio and the Martini Bar will be present on river ships.
Food will be available 24 hours a day, and the culinary team is working to incorporate local ingredients and flavors inspired by the Bazaar on its ocean-going ships. Chef-led tours and local partnerships will extend that philosophy ashore.
Rather than a traditional fitness center, the first ships will offer yoga and fitness classes on the top deck, with wellness services such as massages handled through partnerships with local hotels and spas in destinations.
Already Selling Out
The market response has been striking. Priority booking access for the 2027 itineraries sold out in six minutes, with remaining inventory selling out within hours. 2028 bookings are already performing strongly with guests paying a clear premium. Royal Caribbean has announced plans for 20 ships in total, with an 80% increase in destinations on the horizon.
With a crew training philosophy that blends ocean and river expertise, pre-booked excursions offered in small groups and a dedicated concierge for custom experiences, Celebrity is clearly betting that river cruising is ready for its luxury moment—and so far, the market agrees.
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