ROTTERDAM — Celebrity Cruises has marked a major construction milestone for Celebrity River Cruises with the successful float out of Celebrity Compass, the first ship in its new river fleet.

The float out, which marks the completion of the vessel’s exterior construction and its first time in the water, brings Celebrity Compass one step closer to its scheduled August 2027 debut.

The multi-day process began Sept. 9 at Zwijnenburg shipyard in Rotterdam. Following the float out, the ship travelled its first 80 kilometres by river, arriving at TeamCo Shipyard in Heusden on Sept. 12.

“The float out of Celebrity Compass is a defining milestone as we bring our vision for Celebrity River Cruises to life,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, President, Celebrity Cruises. “As our inaugural ship enters the next phase of construction, we’re one step closer to welcoming guests aboard in 2027.”

Celebrity says the new ship will bring many of the brand’s ocean-cruise design and hospitality elements to the river, with open decks offering 360-degree views, an infinity-edge plunge pool and Magic Edge cantilevered dining pods, an industry first for river cruising.

Accommodation will include five stateroom categories, with king-sized beds in every stateroom, added storage and spacious balconies. Passengers will also have access to eight restaurants and bars, including Celebrity favourites Martini Bar, Sunset Bar and Café Al Bacio, along with complimentary breakfast room service and 24/7 dining options.

Celebrity Compass will also feature an innovative hull designed to improve river navigation, plus hybrid propulsion and technology aimed at reducing noise and vibration.

“With Celebrity Compass, we’re reimagining river cruising The Celebrity Way, combining elevated design, exceptional hospitality and destination-rich experiences to create a journey unlike any other on the river,” said Hodges Bethge.

Lead image caption: Celebrity River Cruises has marked a major milestone with the float out of Celebrity Compass