Celebrity River Cruises unveils programme shake-up with most immersive experiences yet

Guests can choose from the Storyteller Series, Skillmaster Series, Keys to the City Series, and Celebrity Takeover Series – each promising something genuinely different from standard river cruise excursions.

Local experts and cultural insiders lead many of these experiences, while tech-driven options let independent explorers chart their own course.

Pre and post-cruise stays in Prague, Budapest and Amsterdam round out the programme. The Storyteller Series puts local residents, artists and cultural insiders at the helm of each adventure.

In Amsterdam, a canal captain with deep family roots in the region takes guests through hidden waterways, revealing the city's centuries-old relationship with water while passing the historic Oude Kerk and legendary Dutch trading vessels.

Over in Prague, a local brewer guides visitors through the city's rich beer heritage, stopping at spots like the bustling U Vejvodu Tavern.

The Skillmaster Series gets hands-on. Budapest offers cooking sessions with a local Mamika – that's grandmother – who teaches traditional Hungarian recipes in her own kitchen after a trip to Central Market Hall.

Amsterdam's art lovers can join a local artist for a painting workshop inspired by Van Gogh, exploring the master's techniques after visiting the famous museum dedicated to his work.

For those who prefer going solo, the Keys to the City Series offers a clever digital platform with curated route maps based on personal interests like art, history, food or architecture.

Interactive maps, audio guides and video content point travellers toward hidden gems, with local hosts stationed at working studios and craft sites to provide behind-the-scenes access.

The Celebrity Takeover Series is the real showstopper – exclusive, bespoke events happening just once per sailing that transform European landmarks into private experiences for guests only.

Travellers can extend their adventure with multi-day stays in Prague and Budapest from 2027, with Amsterdam joining the options in 2028.

These packages include daily small-group tours with local hosts, premium hotel accommodation, dedicated concierge service, breakfast each morning and airport transfers.

President of Celebrity Cruises, Laura Hodges Bethge, said: "On a Celebrity River Cruises vacation, no two days are the same because no two places are. We've built a destination program that connects guests to Europe more personally than anything the river cruise industry has offered before."

Bookings for pre- and post-cruise stays open this summer, with sailings available now.