Tourexpi
Celebrity River Cruises is expanding its European
offering with the launch of Before and After Stays, a new collection of guided
multi-day city experiences designed to complement its river cruises. Available
before or after a sailing, the programs combine premium accommodation, locally
led excursions and seamless travel arrangements. Bookings are now open for 2027
stays in Prague and Budapest, while Amsterdam and Lausanne will join the
program in 2028.
Extending the river cruise experience ashore
Each two- or three-night stay has been created to
deepen guests' connection with the destinations they visit. Led by local
experts, the programs include one Discovery Collection tour per day, with
guests choosing from at least three themed experiences focusing on subjects
such as history, gastronomy, art or local culture.
"Every element of a Celebrity River Cruises
sailing is designed to bring guests closer to Europe's culture, history and
people, onboard and ashore," said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of
Celebrity Cruises. "Our Before and After Stays are more than an extension
of a Celebrity River Cruises vacation, these stays are designed to deepen
connection — to the cities, to the people who bring them to life, and to each
other — leaving guests with the kind of stories and feelings that only come from
truly getting close to a place."
Local experts reveal authentic experiences
The new programs are led by Local Storytellers and
Destination Insiders who introduce guests to places and experiences beyond the
traditional tourist trail.
In Amsterdam, travelers can explore the city's street
art scene with a local artist before creating their own mural. In Prague,
guests can choose between discovering the city's medieval history, exploring
Cold War shelters or learning about Czech brewing traditions through historic
taverns and local stories.
Seamless travel from arrival to departure
Before and After Stays include premium or
ultra-premium hotel accommodation, daily breakfast, transfers to and from the
ship, and a fully coordinated itinerary, allowing guests to focus on exploring
each destination. Optional premium experiences are also available for travelers
seeking additional activities.
More than 190 sailings across Europe
Celebrity River Cruises will operate 33 sailings in
2027 and 160 in 2028, visiting more than 50 destinations along the Rhine and
Danube. Through partnerships with local businesses, artisans and cultural
organizations, the cruise line also aims to support regional economies while
offering guests authentic experiences that reflect the character of each
destination.
Image Credit: © Celebrity Cruises
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