Celebrity Cruises has launched its first river cruise ship, the Celebrity Compass, marking a major step in the company's expansion into the river cruise market. The ship was floated out of the Zwijnenburg shipyard in Rotterdam on September 9 and then moved 80 kilometers to the TeamCo Shipyard in Heusden on September 12. This event signifies that the ship's exterior construction is complete and that it has made its first contact with water, an important step in the shipbuilding process. The Celebrity Compass is set to begin operations on the Rhine River in August 2027. It will be the first of 20 river cruise ships in the Celebrity Cruises fleet, with construction continuing until 2031. These ships will primarily operate on the Rhine and Danube rivers in Europe. The Celebrity Compass will offer 86 cabins and six different dining options, along with open-air bars and lounges. Notable features include the popular Cafe al Bacio, Martini Bar, and Sunset Bar. Passengers will be able to dine on the Magic Edge platform, which extends out over the river, offering meals inspired by local destinations. An infinity-edge plunge pool will also be available for relaxation. Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, described the float out of the Celebrity Compass as a defining milestone in realizing the company's vision for Celebrity River Cruises. She highlighted the combination of elevated design, exceptional hospitality, and rich destination experiences to create a unique river cruise experience. This new venture aims to bring a fresh approach to river cruising, focusing on luxury and immersive travel. The development of the Celebrity Compass and the future fleet represents a significant investment in the river cruise sector. With a focus on comfort, innovation, and destination-centric experiences, Celebrity Cruises aims to attract a wide range of travelers seeking both relaxation and exploration on Europe's major waterways. The company's commitment to this new market underscores its confidence in the growing demand for high-quality river cruise vacations.