Explore the Upgraded Celebrity Solstice: New Suites and Venues

Celebrity Solstice has officially completed her massive multi-million dollar makeover, returning to the seas with a fresh, contemporary look! The extensive transformation brings brand-new dining venues like Trattoria Rossa and Fine Cut Steakhouse, a lively game lounge called The Parlor, and a complete redesign of the top-deck Lawn Club into Sunset Park.

From fully refreshed staterooms and an expanded Retreat experience for suite guests to interactive new entertainment hubs, here is your ultimate guide to everything that has changed onboard…

Ultimate Packing List for Your Disney Cruise

Planning a Disney Cruise is exciting—but knowing what to pack can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first sailing. After cruising and learning what’s truly useful (and what’s not), this Disney Cruise packing list includes the must‑have essentials that make your cruise easier, more organized, and more magical. These are the exact items I bring every time—and many of them are Amazon finds that make a huge difference in your cabin comfort, organization, and overall experience. This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click and buy, I may make a small commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. PASSPORT! and other important travel documents Keep these items in your carryon…you will need them to check in at the pier.  I find a passport holder to be very useful. This is another option….travel wallet RFID blocking card Thieves are everywhere. Simply place your credit/debit cards or any other RFID-enabled contactless Smart Cards near a RFID Blocking Card and you’re safe and ready to go. Suitcase with spinner wheels I have a weakness for new luggage, lol. Make sure it’s lightweight and has 4 spinner wheels. This makes it so that it’s easy to board your cruise ship and disembark….especially if you do self-disembarkation. Plus….who wants to drag a heavy bag around ship terminals or airports.  Why not make it Disney themed? Carry on luggage I have been using an airline approved size carry on bag for several year now. There is plenty of room for extra shoes, a change of clothes, medicine, jewelry, electronics….all the things I don’t want to check with baggage handlers AND this one fits under the seat! If you need more storage, I love this tote bag . There is a hidden strap, so you can easily slip it over your luggage handle. Trying to minimize the amount of luggage you are taking? This convertible garment bag holds a TON of items and protects your nicer clothes from wrinkles. Comes in other colors and patters also. Cruise Line Luggage Tag Holders Protect your luggage with reusable holders. Nothing worse than having your luggage go missing! Plastic reusable luggage tags holders are so practical. If you get nothing else, buy luggage tag holders! Not only are they reasonably priced, but they can be reused again and again. After having tags accidentally torn off one time and our bags go missing, I purchased some. I will never cruise without them again! Packing cubes I’m a packing cube convert. I’ve found even more ways to use packing cubes to keep organized on my cruise. My suitcase stays organized and when I unpack onboard, I just move them into the drawers or shelves. I recommend getting at least 2 packs in various sizes and in different colors. This way you can have cubes for each member of the family. Luggage Locks Lock your luggage! We always lock ours when flying or boarding a ship. These luggage locks are designed to keep thieves out but still allow TSA to check bags when they’re going through security. And because the TSA can’t take their key out without relocking, you can be assured your luggage will stay locked . Luggage Tag Many bags look identical. Make yours easy to spot with unique luggage tags. Apple Airtags No one wants to lose their luggage while traveling. Air tags can help you locate your bags if they go missing while flying or traveling. We use one in each bag, including carry ons. The piece of mind is worth the cost. I also use a AirTag holder that can attach to the inside of the bag. There are lots of colors available. Lanyard and Keycard Holder Cruise lanyards are one of the most popular cruise essentials. If you want to stay hands free or keep organized, putting your cruise key card in a plastic water-proof lanyard is super practical both on the cruise and as you get off the ship at a cruise port. Hanging Toiletry Bag I have used a bathroom organizer for years. I keep it packed all the time except for a few items which I need everyday. This way, it is grab and go! Travel Size Toiletries I like to use TSA approved containers. There are many to choose from, I find these useful. Plus….they come in a plastic bag that will protect against any leaks that might happen. (Click on the picture for a direct link to the product.) Waterproof beach bag or tote for pool This waterproof and sand proof beach bag has tons of pockets and space for your towels, swim suits, flip flops, water bottles, glasses, sunblock, toys and any other things you’d like to take with you to the beach or pool, and an interior pocket to place keys, your wallet or phone and other valuables. Disney Ears A Disney cruise is a great place to wear and show off your nautical themed ears. This cruise headband features glitter anchor and flag details on the ears, bringing a touch of magic. Accented with a life ring on the bow, this cruise ears is ready for a day of sailing for you! How do you protect them when traveling? I found this really cute portable mouse ears travel case that kees them safe and easy to find. Bag to use onboard and onshore When going ashore, it is nice to have a good bag. Bring Disney onshore with you by using a fun Steamboat Willy, Donald Duck or Minnie Mouse Loungefly backpack. Prefer a crossbody? This one has lots of storage with easy to use compartments. Or a cute fanny pack? Waterproof case for phone and ID A waterproof case is useful if you are uncomfortable leaving your valuables on the beach while you are in the water. There is also a waterproof case if you want to snorkel with your phone. Reusable shopping bags Many stores are eliminating free bags with purchases. I travel with reusable grocery bags…saves money and keeps me from using plastic bags. Refillable Water Bottles Make sure you stay hydrated both onboard and onshore! These Disney themed water bottles make itContinueContinue reading “Ultimate Packing List for Your Disney Cruise”

Celebrity River Cruises Expands Fleet to 20 Ships by 2031 & 2028 Itineraries Now Open

On January 29, 2026, Celebrity River Cruises announced a commitment for 10 new ships that will expand its European river cruise fleet to 20 vessels by 2031. The announcement marks the start of construction, with the first steel cut for Celebrity Compass – the line’s debut river ship. This expansion will make Celebrity River Cruises one of the largest European river cruise operators, offering more itineraries and destinations than ever before. The 2028 season is now open for booking, featuring an 80% increase in European destinations compared to the brand’s inaugural 2027 deployment. To celebrate these milestones, Celebrity River Cruises opened its highly anticipated 2028 season for booking – offering more than 160 sailings to over 50 destinations across Europe. Guests can sail the Rhine to the vineyards of Alsace, follow the Danube to Budapest’s centuries-old market halls, or wake up in Prague and end the day at a café in the heart of Vienna. Celebrity River Cruises launches in 2027 with Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker, followed by Celebrity Wanderer, Celebrity Roamer, and Celebrity Boundless joining the fleet in 2028. “Guest demand for Celebrity River Cruises has exceeded our expectations, and expanding the fleet allows us to bring this highly anticipated experience to even more travelers,” said Jason Liberty, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, parent company of Celebrity Cruises. “Whether guests already love the Celebrity experience or are discovering it for the first time, they now have new ways to enjoy it along some of Europe’s most iconic rivers. With Celebrity’s expansion into river, we’re strengthening our connected vacation ecosystem, offering more choice, more access, and more reasons for guests to stay with us — turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.” “Our inaugural 2027 Celebrity River Cruises season sold out in under six minutes – a testament to how much guests value the unmatched hospitality and service Celebrity delivers,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “To meet this extraordinary demand, we’re thrilled to open 2028 sailings featuring 80% more European destinations, five ships, and more than 160 itineraries. There are now more ways than ever to experience Europe’s rivers The Celebrity Way.” More than 160 European River Cruise Sailings in 2028: From Dutch Tulips to the Lower Danube In 2028, Celebrity River Cruises is bringing Celebrity’s elevated experience to even more of Europe’s iconic rivers, from the Rhine’s legendary castle country to the storied capitals of the Danube. Itineraries will take guests to 24 new ports, including new journeys into the wild beauty of the Lower Danube with a Celebrity-first overnight land stay in Bucharest, sailings to enjoy tulip season in full bloom and a new way to experience Europe’s magical Christmas Market cruises.  2028 Celebrity River Cruises itineraries include: Lower Danube Cruises (six sailings): Journey from Bucharest through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge – one of Europe’s most breathtaking river passages – to destinations where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. Each sailing includes an overnight land stay in Romania’s vibrant capital, connecting guests to Bucharest’s rich heritage before or after their river voyage. Rhine River Cruises (more than 60 sailings): Sail between Basel and Amsterdam through Europe’s legendary castle country, passing vine-covered hillsides and storybook villages including Strasbourg, Breisach, and Rüdesheim. The romantic Rhine comes alive with spellbinding views at every turn. Upper Danube Cruises: Travel between historic Regensburg or Nuremberg and Budapest, discovering grand castles and cultural treasures along the Danube through Germany, Austria, and Hungary. Select sailings coincide with the Gäuboden Festival in Straubing, one of Germany’s largest heritage celebrations. Dutch Tulip Season Cruises: Glide between Brussels and Amsterdam during peak spring bloom, visiting the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk, and charming Maastricht. These seasonal sailings showcase the Netherlands at its most vibrant. Christmas Markets Cruises: Experience a European holiday tradition on sailings between Basel and Amsterdam, with stops at candlelit Rhine Valley villages including Mainz, Strasbourg, and Heidelberg. Snow-dusted vineyards and festive markets make these winter sailings unforgettable. 2028 Celebrity River Cruises sailings are now open for booking. Guests can explore more than 160 European river cruise itineraries and reserve their voyage at www.celebritycruises.com/river, by calling 1-833-474-8803, through the Future Cruise desk on any Celebrity ship, or via a trusted travel advisor. Do you have travel insurance for your next cruise? The best day to buy it is the day you book so get it now.  Insubuy has policies for all travelers. Have you booked your excursions yet? Check out my recommended provider. Stay up-to-date on all the Cruise News: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising,  A Celebrity Cruises Forum,  A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Ascent Cruisers Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum, A Celebrity River Cruises Forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at:  YouTube at Travels With Mickey  Pinterest at Travels with Mickey  Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise and travel even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission – at no extra cost to you — if you click on the link and purchase anything from these trusted companies. It helps Zest4Travel, a small business, stay in business. Thanks for your support!

Introducing Points Choice – WELCOME TO A NEW ERA OF LOYALTY

What to You Need To Know About Celebrity Cruises’ Points Choice Starting January 30, 2026, Captain’s Club members will soon have even more freedom in how they grow their status. With Points Choice, you will earn points on your sailing, and then have the option to apply them to the program you prefer—whether that’s Celebrity’s Captain’s Club, Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor, or Silversea’s Venetian Society. This will be a simple new way to make your loyalty even more rewarding, no matter which brand you sail. How does it work? You can submit a Points Choice request anytime before your sailing or up to 14 days after your cruise. This will allow you to apply your earned points to the loyalty program you choose: Captain’s Club, Crown & Anchor, or the Venetian Society How do I submit my request? Beginning January 30, 2026, for sailings departing on or after that date, you will be able to access a request form through the Celebrity Cruises app or on the website. You must be enrolled in the program you’re applying points to. Status Match Information How are points earned? You will continue earning points the same way you do now—based on your stateroom category and nights sailed. If you want to keep your points with the brand you sailed on, no action is needed. If you choose to move your points to another brand, the exchange rates are shown below. FAQ’s What is Points Choice? Points Choice is a loyalty enhancement for guests who sail with the Royal Caribbean Group. No matter which of our brands you sail with, you can apply your earned points toward the brand loyalty program of your choice. This means you can continue building status with your preferred brand and enjoy Status Match, all while exploring across Royal Caribbean®, Celebrity Cruises® and Silversea®.   When will Points Choice be available? You will be able to apply your points your way on any sailings departing on or after January 30, 2026. Will members have the option to apply points earned on sailings prior to January 30, 2026, to a different brand? No. Points Choice is only available for cruises departing on or after January 30, 2026. How do I submit a request to apply points earned to a different brand loyalty program? Points will be rewarded as they are today, once your cruise is complete. Starting January 30, 2026, a Points Choice request form will be available on the app and web, where you can select the brand you want to apply your earned points to. If you prefer to keep your points with the brand you sailed with, no action is required. Do I need to submit a request each time I sail if I wish to transfer points? Yes. A separate request form must be submitted for every sailing when you wish to apply points to another program. Celebrity plans to introduce a preference center later this year that will enable you to make your selection once for all future sailings. When do I need to submit my Points Choice request? At any time prior to your sailing and up to 14 days post cruise you will be able to submit a Points Choice Request Form. Requests made after 14 days of the completion of your cruise will not be processed. Points will be awarded as they are today, once your cruise is complete. Points from the brand you sailed will be added to your loyalty account first. If a Points Choice request is submitted, the original points earned will be deducted and then applied to your desired program. When will I see my points updated after submitting a request? Allow up to 30 days after your cruise is completed and you have submitted your request. If I transfer my points to a different brand, how will I know how many points I will receive? Please refer to the 2026 Points Exchange Rate by brand: Crown & Anchor Exchange Rates Captain’s Club Exchange Rates Venetian Society Exchange Rates Will Points Choice exchange rates change? Yes. Exchange rates will be reviewed and published annually on the branded websites.  Can partial points be transferred to Silversea? No.  If you sail with Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises and want to apply your earned points to Venetian Society, you must qualify for at least 1 VS Day to be eligible. Partial VS Days will not be awarded.  For example: An inside stateroom on a 3-night Royal Caribbean cruise, translates to only 0.75 VS Days and therefore cannot be transferred to Venetian Society.   Does Points Choice apply to the Casino Royale and Blue Chip programs?  No. Points Choice only applies to the Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor program, Celebrity’s Captain’s Club program and Silversea’s Venetian Society program.  Does Points Choice apply to MyCruise® Rewards points through the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature card? No. Points Choice only applies to the Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor program, Celebrity’s Captain’s Club program and Silversea’s Venetian Society program.  Are there any changes to Status Match ?  No. Status Match remains the same. Members can still receive one-for-one tier matching across all three Royal Caribbean Group brands: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea.  Do I need to sign up for Points Choice to be able to participate? To take advantage of Points Choice, you need to be enrolled in the loyalty program to which you wish to apply your points. For example, if you are sailing on Royal Caribbean and want to apply your earned Crown & Anchor points to Captain’s Club, you need to be enrolled in Captain’s Club.  To enroll, log in to your app and navigate to the Loyalty Match section to complete your enrollment. Status Match Information Can I change my Points Choice request after submission? No. Once submitted, requests cannot be changed, and points can only be transferred once between brands. Can the Celebrity Power Up Points or Go Green points be transferred? No. These points cannot be applied to a different brand program.  If a guest sails with Celebrity and then transfers their points to another program, the Go Green points will be forfeited.  These points will not be applied to another program and will not remain in Captain’s Club. How are points earned when traveling solo? Those who travel solo in a stateroom will be awarded bonus points based on the rules of the brand you choose to apply points to.  Celebrity Cruises awards 2x points to solo travelers and Royal Caribbean awards 1 extra point per night.  Silversea does not reward solo travelers with bonus points.  For example, if a guest sails with Royal Caribbean as a solo traveler and stays in a Balcony stateroom, they will earn 14 pointsContinueContinue reading “Introducing Points Choice – WELCOME TO A NEW ERA OF LOYALTY”

Power Up Points – A New Season, A New Experience, and the Newest Ship Webinar

Get an inside look at all things Celebrity. In this webinar, Co-Cruise Director Luigi De La Cruz shares behind-the-scenes stories from the Naming Sailing aboard the newest ship, Celebrity Xcel. Plus, see the can’t-miss onboard experience, Poolest Day Ever. Beyond the Podium speaker Cesar Becerra will fill you in on destination highlights from the incredible 2027/2028 Caribbean season, featuring new stops in Turks and Caicos. This is one conversation you won’t want to miss. Power Up Points will be awarded to those who qualify by January 14, 2026 Register by December 11, 2025—and earn 20 Power Up Points.† Register and watch here. Stay up-to-date on all the Cruise News: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising,  A Celebrity Cruises Forum,  A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Ascent Cruisers Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum, A Celebrity River Cruises Forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at:  YouTube at Travels With Mickey  Pinterest at Travels with Mickey  Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise and travel even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission – at no extra cost to you — if you click on the link and purchase anything from these trusted companies. It helps Zest4Travel, a small business, stay in business. Thanks for your support!

Royal Caribbean Group’s New Points Choice: A New Era in Cruise Loyalty

Royal Caribbean Group announced today a change to how cruisers earn loyalty points that will make it easier to cruise between its brands and earn status at the same time. In 2024, the company introduced status matching between Royal Caribbean Group’s three brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea. Points Choice will go beyond that. Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty revealed his company’s plans to introduce Points Choice During an earnings call with investors. “I’m excited to announce Points Choice, the next evolution, and how guests earn and apply loyalty points across our family of brands beginning in early 2026. Guests will be able to apply loyalty points to the Royal Caribbean Group brand they prefer, regardless of which brand they are sailing with.” Mr. Liberty is quoted as saying. No matter which brand you sail with, you can apply your earned points toward the brand loyalty program of your choice. This means you will be able to vacation with Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, or Silversea while continuing to build your status in Captain’s Club or whichever program you belong to. Points Choice will be available in early 2026. More information will be available in the coming weeks including the official launch date, program rules, and exchange rates across programs. Be sure to subscribe to Zest4Travel to receive timely updates. Learn more about each program below: Celebrity Cruises Captain’s Club Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society Silversea Venetian Society FAQ What is Points Choice?An exciting enhancement is coming soon for all who sail with Royal Caribbean Group. Introducing Points Choice – no matter which of our brands your clients sail with, they can apply their earned points toward the brand loyalty program of their choice. They can continue to build status with their preferred brand and enjoy status match, all while exploring across Royal Caribbean”, Celebrity Cruises” and Silversea Cruises® For example, if your preferred brand is Royal Caribbean and they are sailing on Celebrity, you can apply the Captain’s Club points earned to the Crown & Anchor program to keep building your Crown & Anchor status. When will Points Choice be available?Early 2026. Keep a close eye on your email for the official launch date in the coming months along with program rules, exchange rates between brands, and how your clients can apply points to their preferred brand. Will members have the option to apply points already earned to a different brand?No. Points Choice will be offered only on cruises departing on or after the launch date. If I choose to apply their points to a different brand, how will they know how many points they will get? For example, if you cruise with Celebrity and wish to receive Crown & Anchor points, how will you know the number of Crown & Anchor points they are eligible for? Points tables will be published with exchange rates between brands. For example, the points tables will indicate how many Crown & Anchor points your cruise is eligible for if you sail in a Sky Suite on Celebrity. Are any program benefits changing?No. Benefits will remain the same for Crown & Anchor, Captain’s Club and Venetian Society. Does Points Choice apply to points earned in the Casino Royale and Blue Chip programs?No. Points Choice only applies to Royal’s Crown & Anchor program, Celebrity’s Captain’s Club program and Silversea’s Venetian Society program. Are there any changes to the Status Match program?No, the Status Match program is not changing. Members can still receive one-for-one tier matching across all three Royal Caribbean Group brands: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Stay up-to-date on all the Cruise News: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising,  A Celebrity Cruises Forum,  A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Ascent Cruisers Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum, A Celebrity River Cruises Forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at:  YouTube at Travels With Mickey  Pinterest at Travels with Mickey  Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise and travel even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission – at no extra cost to you — if you click on the link and purchase anything from these trusted companies. It helps Zest4Travel, a small business, stay in business. Thanks for your support!

Another Power Up Points Webinar – 2027/2028 Season Is Here!

The 2027/2028 season of sailings brings the world to you like no one else can—from exciting itineraries in Europe to incredible ships in Alaska, Australia, Hawaii, and beyond. In our upcoming webinar, we’ll sit down with a Behind the Podium speaker for an inside look at Europe’s top destinations. This is one webinar you don’t want to miss. Register and watch by October 9, 2025–and earn 20 Power Up Points. o qualify, members must register with their Captain’s Club ID and watch the entire presentation by October 9, 2025. Up to four members can watch the webinar together under one registration. Each member’s Captain’s Club ID must be entered separately on the registration page to earn points. Power Up Points will be awarded to those who qualify by November 14, 2025. Register and watch here: Power Up Points Webinar Let’s Connect: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising,  A Celebrity Cruises Forum,  A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Ascent Cruisers Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum, A Celebrity River Cruises Forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at:  YouTube at Travels With Mickey  Pinterest at Travels with Mickey  Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise and travel even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission – at no extra cost to you — if you click on the link and purchase anything from these trusted companies. It helps Zest4Travel, a small business, stay in business. Thanks for your support!

ETIAS vs EES: Essential Updates for Traveling to Europe

Planning a trip to Europe? Learn what travelers need to know about ETIAS and EES, including who will be affected, when the new systems take effect, how they work, and what they mean for Americans and other non-EU travelers visiting Europe.

Power Up Points: Elevate Your Journey Celebrity River Cruises Webinar

Celebrity has redefined travel on the ocean. Now, they are bringing that same elevated experience to the world’s most exciting rivers—sailing through the heart of Europe’s culture, history, and unforgettable cities. Discover everything River has to offer in this special River Cruises Webinar where you’ll get a closer look at room amenities, the ship designs, the itineraries, and more. This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. This is one webinar you don’t want to miss. Register by September 23, 2025, and earn 20 Power Up Points. (10 Power Up Points = 1 Captain’s Club point) Register to watch here: Power Up Points To qualify, members must register with their Captain’s Club ID and watch the entire presentation by September 23, 2025. Featured speaker: Ale Azor, Director Product Development & Innovation Up to four members can watch the webinar together under one registration. Each member’s Captain’s Club ID must be entered separately on the registration page to earn points. Power Up Points will be awarded to those who qualify by October 14, 2025. Let’s Connect: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising,  A Celebrity Cruises Forum,  A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Ascent Cruisers Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum, A Celebrity River Cruises Forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at:  YouTube at Travels With Mickey  Pinterest at Travels with Mickey  Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise and travel even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission – at no extra cost to you — if you click on the link and purchase anything from these trusted companies. It helps Zest4Travel, a small business, stay in business. Thanks for your support!

Unveiling the Innovative Celebrity River Cruise Ships

Welcome to river cruising – The Celebrity Way. Celebrity River Cruises is a natural extension of Celebrity’s premium offering that will bring its unique service-first approach to the river. Guests will get the keys to sail through the heart of culturally and historically significant cities, experience locally inspired cuisine and unique shore experiences – The Celebrity Way. With ships that will give guests 360 degrees of breathtaking views, every moment will be designed to immerse guests in the beauty of the journey. Celebrity recently released the brand new ebrochure for river cruises. This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. *A special thank you to Celebrity Cruises for the photos and information available in this article. What will the ship look like? Celebrity has designed a brand new, never seen before ship that was built with purpose. Every design decision from the silhouette to the lightweight hull, enhances efficiency, and helps navigate with uncommon ease. The result is the most innovative river ship on the water. What that means for the cruiser is smoother sailing, even in low water, and fewer itinerary interruptions along the way. It’s a smarter, more sustainable way to cruise and the most seamless way to bring you closer to every destination. The first of 10 brand new river ships will be the Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker, launching in 2027. “Celebrity River Cruises ships will be the most innovative on the river, with a patent-pending industry-leading design that offers more space to vacation while bringing guests even closer to destinations,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “With about half of our guests having experienced or intending to take a river cruise, we know guests are going to love sailing Europe’s Rhine and Danube rivers The Celebrity Way on our fleet of elevated, cutting-edge ships.” Public spaces and open decks Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker will offer guests the chance to dine floating above the river on the Magic Edge – the first-ever cantilevered dining pods – while enjoying regional, destination-driven culinary offerings. Transformative shade structures, furniture and a top-deck bar and grille will maximize guests’ time on deck – offering zones for every mood, whether it be socializing or disconnecting, in a space designed for year-round comfort. Plus, an infinity-edge plunge pool invites guests to cool off while taking in the sights. These flexible public spaces ensure guests enjoy more of their time outside at destinations, and on the journey in between. Food From locally baked morning pastries to regionally inspired dinners that reflect the culture around you, every dish will bring the destination to the table. With six dining options, flexible all-day access, menus that evolve with the itinerary, and healthy options, you will be able to experience flavor that feels both local and entirely your own. Drink The ship will be stocked with distinct and local wines. Enjoy a perfectly chilled martinis, a late nightcap or an early-morning espresso. New venues like a top-deck bar and lounge, and returning favorites like Martini Bar, Café al Bacio, and Sunset Bar are now making their debut on the river, the art of the drink is on display. What’s Included? Shore Excursions You will be able to enjoy your choice of one shore excursion every day. Dining The ship has been designed with more restaurants, offering the most choice on the river. Even including a 24-hour option! Drinks All bookings will come with a classic beverage package featuring select wine, beer, cocktails, coffee and soft drinks all day. There will also be an opportunity to upgrade. Wi-Fi Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the sailing. Onboard Experiences More to do and more spaces to do them in. Stay tuned for updates!! Staterooms Every stateroom is designed to feel uniquely elegant and deeply connected to the destination. With the first-ever Skylight Infinite Balcony Suites, king-size beds in every room, and layouts built for real comfort, this is where modern design meets personal space at every bend. Every detail is considered, with the most in-room amenities, all guests will enjoy complimentary stocked mini bars and destination-inspired touches. With butler service in every suite, this is the most thoughtfully designed stateroom on Europe’s rivers. Vista Balcony Suite The Vista Balcony Suites has panoramic river views, an expansive veranda, and room to settle in. Separate living and sleeping areas offer flexibility, along with spacious bathrooms with dual-faucet sinks. You will enjoy a personalized butler ready to set up dinner to enjoy in your own suite, then relax in your king-size bed with premium bedding, all designed to support your preferences. From morning coffee on the balcony to quiet evenings with a film or a book, this suite is built for presence, pleasure, and ease on the river. SQ. FOOTAGE: 258 Skylight Infinite Balcony Suite This one-of-a-kind suite is designed to bring the river and the sky closer than ever before. At the heart of the Skylight Infinite Balcony Suitesm is a ceiling window that opens to the stars or closes for privacy, letting you choose how much light and view to invite in. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the riverbank just outside. Inside you will find space to sleep, lounge, and dine in comfort. A king-size bed with plush linens, spa-inspired bathroom, butler service, and personalized minibar make this suite more than just a place to stay. SQ. FOOTAGE: 233 Balcony With a private veranda and seating for two, the Balcony staterooms give you front-row access to Europe’s most iconic riverscapes. Inside, a king-size bed, rich materials, and streamlined furnishings create a sense of calm and openness, while thoughtful extras, from a complimentary minibar to in-room filtered water, bring luxury to life. It’s a room that invites you to stretch out, breathe deeply, and take in the view at your own pace. SQ. FOOTAGE: 211-225 Infinite Balcony With wall-to-wall windows that lower at the touch of a button, the Infinite Balcony staterooms invite the outside in, so you canContinueContinue reading “Unveiling the Innovative Celebrity River Cruise Ships”