Celebrity River Cruises Unveils Details for New Innovative Shore Excursions Program

Image: Each vessel will have an infinity-edge plunge pool (Photo Credit: Celebrity Cruises)
Image: Each vessel will have an infinity-edge plunge pool (Photo Credit: Celebrity Cruises)
Noreen Kompanik
by Noreen Kompanik
Last updated: 11:45 AM ET, Fri March 13, 2026

Celebrity River Cruises is aiming to redefine European river travel with a series of extensive and experiential destination experiences.

Four curated programs include the Storyteller Series, Skillmaster Series, Keys to the City Series and the Celebrity Takeover Series, designed to connect travelers to each destination’s culture in deeply personal, richly immersive and unforgettable ways throughout the cruise vacation.

The programs will be available across all 2027 and 2028 Celebrity River Cruises itineraries along with pre-and post-cruise stays in Prague, Budapest and Amsterdam.

“On a Celebrity River Cruises vacation, no two days are the same because no two places are. We've built a destination program that connects guests to Europe more personally than anything the river cruise industry has offered before,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “With our groundbreaking destination discovery options, paired with thoughtfully crafted spaces onboard that inspire relaxation and connection, Celebrity River Cruises guests will return home with stories no one else can tell.” 

Storyteller Series

This series offers experiences guided by residents, artists and cultural insiders who call each destination home. Guests can choose from multiple experiences per port, balancing iconic landmarks with hosts’ personal favorites and hidden stories only locals know.

Skillmaster Series

These locally led experiences go beyond sightseeing as guests craft, cook, and create alongside artisans and makers who shape each destination’s cultural identity.

Keys to the City Series

This program provides guests with an included, tech-driven way to explore ports of call on their own, according to their personal interests. Through an innovative digital platform, guests access curated route maps tailored to specific interests such as art, history, food, and architecture.

 Interactive maps, audio guides and video content lead guests off the beaten tourist path to interest-led locations where stationed local hosts provide behind-the-scenes access and exclusive experiences at working studios and craft sites to create moments of surprise and delight.

Celebrity Takeover Series

This series offers exclusive, bespoke experiences once per sailing, transforming must-see European attractions and unassuming plazas into elevated private events available only to Celebrity River Cruises guests. Each Celebrity Takeover Series indulgent bucket-list experience is designed to be the defining memory of a guest's Celebrity River Cruises vacation.  

Pre-and Post-Cruise Stays

Celebrity River Cruises guests can extend their end-to-end journey with multi-day pre- and post-cruise stays that carry the same locally led, small-group discovery philosophy as each sailing. Available in Prague and Budapest beginning in 2027, and also Amsterdam in 2028, each stay includes daily small-group tours with local hosts, premium hotel accommodations, dedicated concierge service for dining reservations and private experiences, daily breakfast, and airport transfers. 

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