14 September 2026: Celebrity Cruises has completed the float out of Celebrity Compass, the first ship in the Celebrity River Cruises fleet, marking the completion of the vessel’s exterior construction and its first time in the water. The ship is scheduled to debut in August 2027, according to the company’s media release.
The multi-day operation began on 9 September at the Zwijnenburg shipyard in Rotterdam, Netherlands. After the float out, Celebrity Compass travelled its first 80 kilometres by river before arriving at TeamCo Shipyard in Heusden on 12 September, where the next phase of construction will continue.
First river ship moves into next construction phase
Celebrity Compass is the inaugural vessel in Celebrity River Cruises’ new river fleet. With the exterior build complete, work will now progress at TeamCo Shipyard ahead of the ship’s planned entry into service in August 2027.
“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. “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.”
Open decks and river-focused design planned
Celebrity River Cruises’ ships will feature open decks designed to provide uninterrupted 360-degree views of surrounding destinations. Celebrity Compass will also include Magic Edge, described by the company as the first cantilevered dining pods on a river ship, allowing guests to dine above the water. An infinity-edge plunge pool will provide another outdoor space overlooking the river.
The ship’s accommodation will span five boutique stateroom categories. Celebrity says the designs will incorporate additional storage, enhanced configurations, king-sized beds in every stateroom and spacious balconies, with layouts intended to connect the accommodation more closely with the passing river scenery.
The vessel will also use a lightweight hull designed for river navigation. A hybrid propulsion system and other onboard technology are intended to reduce noise and vibration while supporting its operation on European waterways.
Eight restaurants and bars across the ship
Celebrity Compass is planned with eight restaurants and bars, including Celebrity venues Martini Bar, Sunset Bar and Café Al Bacio.
The dining programme will also offer complimentary breakfast room service and flexible all-day access. Celebrity says guests will have access to 24-hour meal options, alongside the range of restaurants and bars planned across the vessel.
The company is carrying several design and hospitality elements associated with its ocean ships into the river product, while adapting the vessel’s layout and technical design for river navigation.
August 2027 debut approaches
The September float out moves Celebrity Compass into the next stage of construction ahead of its scheduled August 2027 launch. The vessel will be the first Celebrity River Cruises ship to enter service as the cruise line begins its river programme in Europe.
Celebrity Compass will continue fitting-out and completion work at TeamCo Shipyard in Heusden before entering service next year.
Source: News release dated 12 September 2026.
