Celebrity Cruises has shocked the industry and just ordered 10 river cruise vessels, inspired from its Edge class ships.

The brand has signed an initial order for 10 “transformative” ships in Europe but Royal Caribbean Group president and chief executive Jason Liberty said its ambitions “go far beyond that” with Silversea also an option to start river cruises.

Celebrity Cruises has announced plans to enter the river cruise market in 2027, launching Celebrity River Cruises with 10 new ships.

Royal Caribbean Group announced today that they have placed an order for another Edge class cruise ship for Celebrity Cruises. This will be the sixth Edge

Agents are hopeful that Celebrity Cruises’ move into river cruising will lead to a rise in sales and increased spotlight on the sector. The line has signed an initial order for 10 “transformative” ships to sail in Europe from 2027. More details are due to be announced soon and bookings will open this year.

Royal Caribbean Group has signed an agreement with Chantiers de l'Atlantique to order a sixth Edge Series ship for delivery to Celebrity Cruises in 2028. Edge 6 or “Xcel 2” will be the sister-ship to Celebrity Xcel, which is preparing to take its inaugural sail later this year.

Celebrity plans to launch 10 river cruise ships starting in 2027. It would be Royal Caribbean Group's first major foray into the booming industry.

Bookings are already off to a record start in 2025 for Royal Caribbean, and the company is now set to expand its offerings further by breaking into river cruises, the CEO told Skift.