- Celebrity Compass has completed its float out ahead of a 2027 debut
- The ship is Celebrity Cruises’ first river vessel
- First steel cutting took place in early 2026
- The line plans 20 river ships by 2031
- Jason Liberty stated the river product supports guest loyalty strategy
Celebrity Cruises has marked the float out of the Celebrity Compass, its first river ship, bringing the vessel closer to its debut on European rivers in 2027. The cruise line has confirmed the milestone through a social media update, stating that construction continues on schedule at the shipyard. The float out represents a transition from drydock construction to water-based fitting out, with interior work and systems testing set to proceed.
The first steel cutting for the ship took place at the start of 2026. At that time, Celebrity Cruises revealed a commitment for 10 new ships that will expand its European river cruise fleet to 20 vessels by 2031. Chairman and CEO Jason Liberty discussed the river product during a recent earnings call, describing it as central to a broader strategy of deepening guest loyalty across the portfolio. Liberty shared that the company holds high ambitions for its entry into the river business and that the line is effectively miniaturising an Edge Class ship and placing it on a river.
The Celebrity Compass will operate alongside the existing fleet as the brand extends its reach into river cruising. The vessel is scheduled to enter service in 2027, with itineraries and additional details set to be revealed closer to launch. The expansion reflects a wider trend of ocean cruise lines entering the river market to capture demand for intimate, destination-focused travel.
Jason Liberty shared “We’re effectively miniaturizing an Edge Class ship and putting it on River.”
