If there’s one lasting critique lobbed at cruises, it’s that they don’t give you many chances to explore locations on foot.
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While cruises almost always include multiple port stops where passengers can stretch their legs, and possibly even overnight, excursions tend to be limited. Limited in terms of time, immersion, and true cultural encounters.
But many cruise companies are enriching their itineraries with on-land excursions that actually make an impact. Not only are they better for travelers, but they’re also better for destinations because these programs invest in local tourism ventures that preserve culture and provide economic opportunities.
And while many of these enrichment programs are focused on seaports, you can also find them for a growing number of river cruises.
Celebrity Cruises recently rolled out not one but four unique destination discovery programs for their river cruises in Prague, Budapest, and Amsterdam for 2027 and 2028. Here’s what you need to know about joining.
Inside Celebrity Cruises’ new immersion programs for European river cruises
In March, 2026, Celebrity Cruises announced plans to make pre- and post-cruise stays easy in three cities, including Prague, Czech Republic, Budapest, Hungary, and Amsterdam, Netherlands. Stays include small-group tours with locals, private experiences, daily breakfast, concierge service, and more.
Again, you can book pre- and post-cruise stays in these three cities beginning in 2027 and 2028. Amsterdam will join in 2028.
Aside from the pre- and post-cruise stays, Celebrity Cruises is also rolling out four distinct series: Keys to the City, Storyteller, Celebrity Takeover, and Skillmaster. These series make it easy for passengers to explore their port cities on their own. The list is long, from Bratislava to Prague.
Here’s what to expect from each:
- Keys to the City Series includes activities to get to know the city based on a passenger’s interests, which are offered up in a one-of-a-kind digital app that curates adventures just for them
- Storyteller Series includes multiple experiences that are curated by the port’s top artists, residents, and cultural guardians, giving you meaningful ways to learn about each location
- Celebrity Takeover Series includes exclusive bucket-list events that you can reserve once per cruise—so choose your experience well!
- Skillmaster Series makes it easy to learn a new skill via locally-led workshops that showcase the artisans and craftsmanship that make each destination so iconic
