Celebrity Cruises has completed the launch of the Celebrity Compass, the first ship in its new Celebrity River Cruises, marking a key step in the company's entry into the river cruise market. The process began on September 9 at the Zwijnenburg shipyard in Rotterdam and culminated with the ship's maiden voyage into the water.
After its launch, the Celebrity Compass completed its first 80 kilometers of navigation along the river to reach the TeamCo Shipyard facilities in Heusden, where the next phase of its construction and outfitting will continue.
The new ship is scheduled to debut in August 2027, initially with Rhine River itineraries. The Celebrity Compass will be the first of a fleet that Celebrity River Cruises plans to expand to 20 river ships by 2031, reinforcing the Royal Caribbean Group's commitment to this segment.
With its new ship, Celebrity aims to bring some of the elements that characterize its ocean cruise offerings to the river environment, combining them with a design adapted to navigating European rivers. The Celebrity Compass will feature 86 cabins, distributed across five categories, all with king-size beds, natural light, and balconies.
Among its main new features is Magic Edge, a series of dining spaces cantilevered over the river, allowing guests to enjoy the views while dining. The ship will also have open decks with 360-degree panoramic views and an infinity pool.
The dining and entertainment options will include eight restaurants and bars, among them some familiar concepts from Celebrity's ocean fleet, such as the Martini Bar, Sunset Bar, and Café al Bacio. The ship will also offer in-cabin breakfast service and all-day dining options.
“The launch of the Celebrity Compass is a pivotal milestone as we realize our vision for Celebrity River Cruises,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. She emphasized that the project aims to combine design, hospitality, and destination-centric experiences to offer a new way to discover Europe’s major rivers.
The Celebrity Compass will now continue its construction and outfitting process before welcoming its first passengers in 2027.
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