Celebrity Compass hits the water, bringing Celebrity River Cruises closer to 2027 debut

Celebrity Cruises has reached a major construction milestone for its new river cruise venture, celebrating the float out of Celebrity Compass, the first ship in the upcoming Celebrity River Cruises fleet.

The milestone marks the completion of the vessel’s exterior construction and the first time the ship has touched water. Celebrity Compass is scheduled to begin sailing in August 2027, ushering in Celebrity’s expansion into the river cruise market.

The multi-day float-out process began Sept. 9 at Zwijnenburg shipyard in Rotterdam. After entering the water, Celebrity Compass travelled its first 80 kilometres by river before arriving at TeamCo Shipyard in Heusden on Sept. 12 for the next phase of construction.

As the inaugural vessel for Celebrity River Cruises, Celebrity Compass will bring several elements associated with Celebrity’s ocean ships to the rivers, with an emphasis on contemporary design, hospitality and destination-focused experiences.

“The float out of Celebrity Compass is a defining milestone as we bring our vision for Celebrity River Cruises to life,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, in a statement. “With Celebrity Compass, we're reimagining river cruising The Celebrity Way, combining elevated design, exceptional hospitality, and destination-rich experiences to create a journey unlike any other on the river. As our inaugural ship enters the next phase of construction, we're one step closer to welcoming guests aboard in 2027 and showing them a new way to discover the world's iconic waterways.”

Among the ship’s standout features will be open decks designed to provide uninterrupted 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.

The vessel will also introduce Magic Edge, billed by Celebrity as the first cantilevered dining pods on a river ship, allowing guests to dine while positioned above the river. An infinity-edge plunge pool will also be available on board.

Accommodations will span five stateroom categories, with king-sized beds in every room, enhanced storage and spacious balconies. Celebrity says the residential-style interiors have been designed with an emphasis on natural light and additional living space.

On the culinary side, Celebrity Compass will feature eight restaurants and bars, including familiar Celebrity venues Martini Bar, Sunset Bar and Café Al Bacio. Complimentary breakfast room service and flexible all-day dining will also be offered, including 24/7 meal options.

The ship will use an innovative lightweight hull designed to improve river navigation, alongside a hybrid propulsion system and technology intended to reduce noise and vibration.

Celebrity Compass is slated to welcome its first guests in August 2027.

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