Celebrity River Cruises has claimed an industry-first with the release of its “groundbreaking” excursion programme

The line, which has plans for 20 ships to be delivered by 2031, has developed four land programme categories, which it calls “series”: Storyteller, Skillmaster, Keys to the City, and Celebrity Takeover.

President Laura Hodges Bethge has claimed the “groundbreaking” shore programme “connects guests to Europe more personally than anything the river cruise industry has offered before”.

The Storyteller series will offer passengers excursions hosted by residents and artists living in the destination, while the Skillmaster series is designed for passengers to participate in more hands-on activities, such as cooking classes with local chefs or painting classes hosted by artists.

The Keys to the City series is a technology platform where passengers can select the things that interest them and it will come up with a curated route map of the destination with places for them to go. It also features audio guides and video content.

While the previous three series are unlimited for passengers, the Celebrity Takeover series can only be used once per sailing, offering an “indulgent, bucket-list experience designed to be the defining moment of a guest’s Celebrity River Cruises vacation”, a spokesperson for the line said.

They added the programme has set a “new standard for river travel”, and will “immerse guests in ports like never before”.

Additionally, passengers can extend their holiday with multi-day pre- and post-cruise stays. Available in Prague and Budapest from 2027, as well as Amsterdam in 2028, each stay includes daily small-group tours with local hosts, hotel accommodation, concierge service for dining reservations and private tours, daily breakfast and airport transfers. All excursion series options will be available across the line’s 2027 and 2028 itineraries.

Bethge said: “On a Celebrity River Cruises vacation, no two days are the same because no two places are.

“We’ve built a destination programme that connects guests to Europe more personally than anything the river cruise industry has offered before.

“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.”