MIAMI — Celebrity River Cruises is expanding its European portfolio with the launch of Before and After Stays, a new collection of guided multi-day experiences designed to extend guests’ river cruise journeys in some of Europe’s most popular cities.
Available to book now, the new experiences offer two- or three-night stays before or after a river cruise, with 2027 programs in Prague and Budapest and additional stays in Amsterdam and Lausanne debuting in 2028.
Positioned as an extension of the onboard experience, the stays combine premium accommodations with locally led experiences that allow guests to explore each destination in greater depth.
“Every element of a Celebrity River Cruises sailing is designed to bring guests closer to Europe’s culture, history and people, onboard and ashore,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “Our Before and After Stays are more than an extension of a Celebrity River Cruises vacation, these stays are designed to deepen connection – to the cities, to the people who bring them to life, and to each other – leaving guests with the kind of stories and feelings that only come from truly getting close to a place.”
HOW IT WORKS
Each stay includes one Discovery Collection excursion per day, with guests able to choose from at least three themed experiences focused on interests such as history, food or art.
According to Celebrity, excursions are designed to go beyond traditional sightseeing, with small-group experiences led by Local Storytellers and supported by Destination Insiders.
Local Storytellers are local experts who guide guests through lesser-known neighbourhoods and cultural experiences, while Destination Insiders provide recommendations designed to help travellers discover authentic local attractions beyond the scheduled programming.
Examples include an Amsterdam experience led by a contemporary artist that explores the city’s street art scene before inviting guests to create their own mural using spray paint.
In Prague, guests can choose from experiences exploring the city’s medieval history and Cold War-era bunkers, discovering its legends surrounding alchemists and scholars, or learning about Czech beer culture through visits to historic taverns.
Celebrity said the Before and After Stays are designed to provide a seamless extension of its river cruise experience, with centrally located premium or ultra-premium hotels, daily breakfast, ship transfers and destination programming included. Optional premium experiences will also be available for guests seeking additional immersion.
The cruise line also noted that guests will not need to coordinate logistics themselves, with all arrangements handled in advance.
THE 2027-2028 SAILING SEASON
The launch coincides with the continued expansion of Celebrity River Cruises. The company plans to operate 33 sailings in 2027 and 160 sailings in 2028, visiting more than 50 destinations along the Rhine and Danube rivers.
Celebrity also highlighted its collaboration with regional organizations and small businesses throughout Europe as part of Royal Caribbean Group’s broader commitment to supporting local communities. The partnerships include working with artisans, farmers and cultural institutions, while also supporting traditional crafts, music and storytelling, as well as community initiatives focused on education, social inclusion and infrastructure improvements.
The Before and After Stays for 2027 and 2028 are available to book now. For more information, go to www.celebritycruises.com/river or call 1-833-474-8803.
