Celebrity River Cruises Launches New Before & After Stays
Celebrity River Cruises is expanding the way guests experience Europe with the launch of its new Before & After Stays – immersive city breaks designed to bookend a river cruise with deeper destination experiences.
Available on selected 2027 and 2028 Rhine and Danube sailings, the new programmes allow travellers to spend two or three nights exploring some of Europe’s most fascinating cities before boarding or after leaving their ship.
Initially launching in Prague and Budapest for 2027, the programme expands to include Amsterdam and Lausanne in 2028.
More than just a hotel stay
Unlike a traditional pre- or post-cruise package, Celebrity’s Before & After Stays have been designed as an extension of the cruise experience itself.
Each stay includes premium or ultra-premium accommodation in centrally located hotels, breakfast each morning, transfers between hotel and ship, and a choice of guided experiences led by local experts.
Rather than following standard sightseeing itineraries, guests can choose from themed excursions based around history, food, art and local culture, allowing them to personalise their time ashore.
Experiences led by locals
Celebrity says each city experience is built around its Discovery Collection excursions, with guests choosing one included tour each day from at least three different options.
Instead of traditional tour guides, guests will be accompanied by Local Storytellers—residents who bring their own knowledge, passions and personal insights to each experience.
In Amsterdam, one excursion explores the city’s vibrant street art scene alongside a local contemporary artist, ending with guests creating their own collaborative artwork using spray paint.
Meanwhile, Prague offers a choice of very different experiences, including:
Following the mysterious trail of alchemists through the city’s medieval streets.
Exploring underground Cold War bunkers and ancient defensive tunnels.
Discovering Czech beer culture through historic taverns and local brewing traditions.
Celebrity’s signature service continues ashore
Celebrity says the new programme has been designed to remove the stress of organising additional accommodation and sightseeing.
All arrangements are made before departure, meaning guests simply arrive and enjoy the experience without needing to coordinate hotels, transfers or excursions themselves.
Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, said:
“Every element of a Celebrity River Cruises sailing is designed to bring guests closer to Europe’s culture, history and people, onboard and ashore.
“Our Before and After Stays are more than an extension of a Celebrity River Cruises vacation. They are designed to deepen connection—to the cities, to the people who bring them to life, and to each other.”
River cruising continues to expand
Celebrity River Cruises plans to operate 33 sailings in 2027, increasing to 160 departures in 2028, visiting more than 50 destinations across the Rhine and Danube.
The new Before & After Stays reflect the growing trend for travellers wanting to spend longer in destinations rather than simply arriving for embarkation day.
For many guests, adding a few extra days at either end of a cruise provides the opportunity to experience iconic cities without feeling rushed.
The Lowdown
Celebrity River Cruises is clearly aiming to offer something beyond the traditional river cruise package. Rather than simply extending a holiday, these curated city stays are designed to provide authentic local experiences with the same premium service guests expect onboard.
For travellers who enjoy slow travel and immersive cultural experiences, adding a few days in destinations such as Prague, Budapest or Amsterdam could make a river cruise feel like a much more complete European holiday.