SHOCKING NEWS FROM CELEBRITY CRUISE LINES

SHOCKING NEWS FROM CELEBRITY CRUISE LINES.
Celebrity cruise lines has shocked many in the cruise industry by announcing they are getting into the river cruise bussiness. They have signed a contract to build 10 new river cruise ships starting in 2027. We also have out fourth outbreak of the year already in 2025.
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[@MarionBeers]

A Germany Christmas market river cruise with Celebrity would be fantastic

[@marjiemadlena5871]

We have cruised exclusively with Celebrity so far and have loved it. I’m very interested in their river cruises. Hoping the loyalty points carry over.

[@IramisandGerry]

We started River Cruising in 2023. We tried Viking… it was okay. In three months we are headed on the Avalon Waterways. Having X jump into rivers and carry my status would be AWESOME! 💗🙏🏽🇵🇷

[@judydale9661]

I am very excited to see what celebrity comes up with for a river cruise! I would be so in for it🎉

[@PalmTreesUSA]

On Disney a member of crew stands at all entrances to food venues “encouraging “ people to wash hands or use anti bacterial wipes. It’s really difficult to actually refuse them. Maybe more ships should do that.

[@lindamoeller9017]

Royal does that at the entrance to the Windjammer

[@annirvin6555]

Same on Sky Princess

[@marklittle8805]

When I was on the Apex last year they had someone steering us all to the hand wash station outside the buffet. It works ...people comply

[@Kattchannel]

Every cruise/cruise line we have been on does the same. (Celebrity, Carnival, RC, etc.)

[@Ravenclaw0536]

Hand sanitizer doesn’t kill the norovirus

[@annirvin6555]

We were on Sky Princess in November. They had staff at the wash station, making sure you washed your hands. They then thanked us for doing it.

[@RaymondMullen-t9j]

Not sure what He is talking about ..Have been on 8 Cruises since Cruising started and always at least 1 Crew Member there about Washing ..

[@kookaburralaughs1869]

You would think it was common sense, some people are disgusting spreading their germs everywhere, people who do not wash their hands thoroughly are disgusting, the stories I have heard,, yuk!

[@darryld_009]

River cruise all have the drop down window French balconies. They are built to fit the locks so size is finite.

[@KarlasMOfun]

The end of May Royal Caribbean had people stationed at entrances of food venues asking everyone to wash your hands before entering the seating/food area.

[@rogerbeck5664]

Same on Celebrity Beyond last month. No health issues reported!

[@dianehill5195]

Interesting to hear that Celebrity is initiating river cruises!! Very excited to learn more. . .

[@Kattchannel]

I can't tell you how many times my husband and i have been in restrooms on ships and witnessed people not washing their hands after going to the bathroom. It's disgusting. Probably same people not washing hands before eating.

[@FrielFamilyFootball]

If the restroom is full of people waiting to wash your hands I use my own hand wipes and then hand sanitizer because I don’t want to be in a tight and crowded area. To catch the flu.

[@SamSitar]

that should be enough for them to kick you off.

[@tammyellison735]

@@FrielFamilyFootball, some of these viruses will not be killed by hand sanitizer, and I do believe one of them is the norovirus.

[@Kattchannel]

@SamSitar you'd think

[@tduck828]

Gross.

[@kerrymettert8962]

I am also intrigued Don. I am hopeful the loyalty program is honored on these cruises and am looking forward to booking one in the future depending on what they ultimately come up with.

[@gordonyates7972]

I don't know if they can deviate from the sizes to much because they still have to fit in locks and go under bridges! It will be interesting what changes they can make.

[@cynthiareifsnider5794]

Celebrity river cruise! Yes. I hope they have one ready before I am too old to go. Although, the cost may be prohibitive for me. I can't wait to see.

[@donnapee8402]

I'm excited about it, too.

[@cydneystephen2814]

Would definitely love a river edge class ship.

[@Meowser186]

The water level of the rivers in Europe must be up as that was a problem in past years. A river cruise by bus is not a lot of fun. Celebrity is a great cruise line so this will interesting.

[@KatieMattison]

Celebrity are already starting to price themselves out of the realm of affordability for many - I seriously doubt they could bring a river cruise product with the same service level as their ocean ships at a lower-than price point to most river cruise lines.

[@redstratus97]

Well they are an upscale/luxury cruise line. The prices aren’t meant for most people due to that. I’ve never sailed them.

[@debbiec4126]

Interesting... I'd give it a try with the perks.

[@annmccabe8510]

Marella Discovery 2 had some gastrointestinal cases the week before last. So on our sailing last week we had enhanced cleaning, the pools, whirlpools and sauna were closed for 5 days and buffet was all staff served. In the seated dining areas you weren’t taken to a table until you had sanitised your hands. Staff also insisted you sanitised your hands before going back on ship after time ashore

[@arl4945]

Don you are looking good I’m glad to see you this way 🎉

[@manfredceriatke6301]

the possiblilities for river cruises are not endless. For example the size of a river cruise ship is very much limited in hight due to the bidges over the river and in width due to the river locks

[@WaterWorld1]

Agreed - true innovation will be limited.

[@anneng3028]

I would love to go on Celebrity river cruise.

[@sherrydiener8688]

Hi Don, Good video as always lots of info.

[@donwarrington4916]

Norovirus can be transmitted through ventilation systems along with a host of other viruses . Ships should have to go through extensive ventilation cleaning and disinfection once a year imo . It's an area that is overlooked in all public spaces ...

[@BirdsNNVA]

That’s horrible! That means I’ll have to wear a KN95 all the time on the ship. I can’t take a chance with any respiratory illness, or even GI illness.

[@electrictroy2010]

@BirdsNNVA norovirus can NOT travel through ventilation systems. It’s a stomach virus & can only make you sick if you swallow it (food) or touch someone’s throwup .

[@electrictroy2010]

FALSE. Norovirus is a stomach virus that can only make you sick by eating it. It does Not travel thru ventilation systems

[@nonacee5065]

It's mandatory that all ventilation systems are cleaned regularly. Cruise lines try their best to keep people safe. We've been on 35 cruises, many of them longer than 14 days and while there may be an occasional outbreak of covid, flu or norovirus we have never caught any of them because we ALWAYS wash our hands many times a day. Obviously, those that get in a lift, coughing their lungs out, we cover our faces to avoid breathing in the air droplets. An odd time we'll come home with a cold or sniffle, but that could be from the flights as well. With a norovirus outbreak, the staff serve the buffet food, and I think they should do that regardless. It would not only help with bugs but stop food wastage.

[@kookaburralaughs1869]

Newer ships have those special air cons that bring in filtrated air, not sure what you call it, it is the older ships that don't have them.

[@sherylvaillancourt446]

Interesting, I've been on Viking Nile, be hard to compare.

[@robe4632]

River cruising for celebrity really peaks my interest!

[@kathyhaysdesigns8269]

The rivers are already crowded! Plenty of locks and passing through other boats to get off. Up and down stairs to exit to port.

[@elaineskurski6555]

It will be interesting to see the river cruises

[@DebMartin-r2j]

I got food poisoning on my last cruise, Carnival in Australia. Some of the food was off big time.

[@richardracette-w6w]

Yes I am curious. I will do it. Thanks Don

[@micheleskeggs2173]

Sad that adults are too stupid to wash their hands.

[@beachsidebob1629]

We were on Caribbean Princess over New Years and hardly anyone washed their hands going into the food venues and there was never a Princess crew member encouraging it. Celebrity is pretty good about having someone at the entrance and strongly encouraging washing hands or at least using hand sanitizer.

[@jeffeisenberg4743]

Hey Don, Praying if Celebrity does river cruises that they would be more affordable than Viking, Oceania, etc...??? Best Jeff & Sandy Brooklyn NY

[@WaterWorld1]

Celebrity being "Premium" rather than "luxury", they may be a bit cheaper than Viking. (There are other cruise lines that are better value than Viking).

[@Ravenclaw0536]

We washed our hands before going into the buffet and again after serving ourselves. I wish they had hand washing sinks in the buffet area

[@electrictroy2010]

Some buffets do have sinks inside. Usually tucked in a cor er

[@kimhund2782]

A Celebrity's river cruise sounds interesting. Two things that stops us from going on one...price and what to do in the evenings.

[@kookaburralaughs1869]

If you are a late party goer not for you, if you are their to relax and enjoy quiet evenings or listen to music then it would be ideal, get a book to read. River cruising is about the Ports and relaxation for those that need to have a restful holiday. Busy days, quiet nights, my ideal holiday.

[@janicewestcott9844]

Stay healthy Don. 🙏🏻

[@marthagrant143]

On our cruise last week, we did see people using the wash stations, but sadly we also saw two young men in their early 20s who flippantly avoided the wash stations and made a show of poking hands under water and not really washing them. Then they made a point of letting the Washy Washy employee know that they didn't have to do what he said. How sad to see such behavior!

[@kookaburralaughs1869]

Immature fools, such arrogance, they should be the ones that get sick, but probably some other poor person picked up germs from them touching utensils.

[@marthagrant143]

@@kookaburralaughs1869 I know. They thought it made them look "cool" while I thought it made them look disgusting.

[@billk7501]

The staff should be serving people, you just can't trust people to be clean.

[@beckymungo1333]

Sounds good to me!!!

[@SamSitar]

then fewer people are touching the same utensils.

[@BirdsNNVA]

Exactly what i think.

[@tduck828]

Holland used to do this. Lines 100% need to do this!!

[@beachblythe]

@@tduck828they still do! There are very few items you serve yourself.

[@aynrandfan7454]

On NCL in Africa last year they had crew enforcing handwashing at all buffets and staff serving portions in the buffets. Makes common sense though there was some push back from idiots

[@choco.es.unlimited]

Noro is in the food. ESPECIALLY on ncl.

[@kookaburralaughs1869]

NCL I find are the most pro active for washing hands, there is always some idiots on cruises.

[@michaelwhite4686]

Gastro-intestinal illness not Gastronomical. Gastronomical is related to the practice of cooking or eating food - the hotel restaurant serves the most exclusive gastronomic delights. Complete different meanings.

[@mydogwinifredgsd2699]

Thanks tips but we all knew what he meant…..did I miss spell anything here?

[@michaelwhite4686]

@mydogwinfredgsd2699 Just making a statement to help him out and was very polite about it. Figured after yesterday’s video with the error on the video display he might want to know. Not trying to cause any Havoc and understand since he is bilingual that mistakes happen, and I’m sure he would want to know like anyone else would

[@DarrinR61]

You did. It's misspell not miss spell 😂

[@cbi-ju5mi]

We’re all wasting our time. My nickname for him is Malaprop Man. He mangles the occasional word and he either doesn’t read the comments, or doesn’t care. You’re not the first to point out his slip up…

[@josieann5031]

​@@michaelwhite4686 Don is not bilingual.

[@Lizzie2919]

Virgin Voyages are the best as there is no buffet, so less germ spreading. They have lots of food stations in the galley but it is all served by staff, even the salad bowls are made up for you. It’s so much nicer and has to mean less chance of norovirus spreading.

[@kirbyketrow6846]

We were on Oceania Nautica recently….i got the Norovirus…along with a lot of others

[@Steven-er2bt]

Some of us will have a nice AmaWaterways Christmas Market cruise as a basis for comparison with Celebrity's offering. ;-)

[@kevinp1904]

Keep up the good work!

[@jamesstone1687]

When are you going on a Great Lakes cruise?

[@3liberte1]

I am ready for a river cruise !

[@WaterWorld1]

There loads in Europe to choose from!

[@dgaud2007]

Bring it ! Celebrity

[@tonytiangco]

My guess is Celebrty will have infinite balcony suites with 4 bigger suites. Upgraded regular dining, spa, gym, lounge but, few extra amenities due to space.

[@hiviolet007]

Yes! I’m very interested in Celebrity river cruises! My favorite line!🎉😊

[@Brooke-ul5hq]

I'm interested in seeing what they come up with.

[@j.g7506]

Woah .... Celebrity river cruising !!! I definitely have to try this! I'm a Celebrity cruise fan!!

[@kristenkroes9649]

More hand washing for sure. Might have to put more lotion on from the drying effect. 😮

[@frankcutronijr]

Don, I believe the infinite veranda started with the Emerald river cruises before Celebrity.

[@WaterWorld1]

Yes it did.

[@BirdsNNVA]

My friend is cruising on the Caribbean with Celebrity right now (she says the Equinox). She loves it - says the cabins are large.

[@patrickbeach3070]

Celebrity River cruises... I can be tempted

[@elenasimon1270]

Maybe they’ll build a shell to install existing infinity balcony units from Edge ships. The Edge ships would then get new standard designed balcony units that cruisers prefer. Makes sense to me.

[@WaterWorld1]

Newer European riverboats already have the "drop down window".

[@BeefromSC]

Thanks for sharing 😎

[@ShannonHomeniuk]

I will be trying the cruises.

[@julaine11]

Don l board regal tomorrow.it’s foggy and will be foggy in the morning.could you please post if you are delayed disembarking. Thanks

[@dgaud2007]

Love to see celebrity infinite balconies on river cruise and a entertainment caberet show

[@WaterWorld1]

Newer European river boats already have "drop down windows". Some do already offer small cabaret shows.

[@DavidGQTravel]

Celebrity is my favorite cruise line. I did get a survey questionaires from them today. I wonder if that is for the new river cruise ships.

[@stevec9669]

I think it will be just another river cruise with a new name. After all, rivers are so small, and the river boats are also small. How many new things can they create in such limited space?

[@susanjoy3513]

Would be interesting to see what they offer.

[@WaterWorld1]

Similar to everyone else, I guess! 😉There's not a lot of scope.

[@kevinburtt332]

Yes we would be interested since we are loyal to celebraty

[@QueenKayKay47]

Some "folks" are just filthy!!! Cruise lines will have to start serving at the buffets, that's the bottom line!

[@kookaburralaughs1869]

Exactly, I take my food prep gloves in the buffet, I don't care what anyone says, in Athens we stayed at a hotel and the buffet breakfast area had clear prep gloves to put on, so we took that opportunity, didn't see anyone else do it, we were not taking any chances.

[@QueenKayKay47]

@kookaburralaughs1869 I don't blame you...a reminder to take mine eyeglass Turkey next week. Thanks

[@bernadine4236]

I can't wait to see how they "Celebritize" a river cruise! I've often thought of trying one when I get "older". 😂 At least they may change from one set dining time!😊

[@krispressler1005]

I just watched the video from Celebrity. I am interested in them getting into the River cruise business as we are starting to look into some river cruises for 2026-2027

[@joannke7727]

Hopefully all the cruise lines will ramp up the hand washing

[@scottwoods504]

Don, Have a safe and uneventful trip home tomorrow.

[@pamm3776]

I live in a river city and only 1 river cruise company left. But Viking is starting but no stops in my town; they don’t like our port/dock. Would be nice if celebrity could stop.

[@danscheid6031]

the size of river cruise ship is limited do to the rivers as well as the number of people. the other companies have this locked up they will have to do something or this will be a failed trail

[@LauraPerry63]

Glad people are starting to wash there hands again. Just put River cruising on my bucket list.

[@kookaburralaughs1869]

We have not cruised with Celebrity, only Princess or Norwegian, P&O but they don't count never will cruise with them again pretty ordinary, Celebrity is next on our list for Europe again and looking forward to seeing what they do for River Cruising as that is on our list when we retire in a couple of years.

[@lynnmccurdythehdmmrc2561]

On the Oceania Nautica during the Holidays. No surprise Norovirus broke out. There was a Gingerbread house(s) display with all sorts of sweet snacks every day out in the open. Of the 650 passengers, the amount of people in public became smaller. Also, small bottles of Purell hand sanitizer were everywhere.

[@electrictroy2010]

Sanitizer doesn’t kill norovirus. It’s immune to alcohol

[@larrybrown2470]

The rivers are going to get crowded!

[@Ladyl123rr]

Would love a Celebrity river cruise

[@shamas.7823]

I tried the Le Petite Chef on my last cruise - I hated it! All we got to eat was lots of tomatoes! And we had to wait about 40 minutes after we sat down - could they not bring out bread for us??? The food was meh for the price. I hope no bus windows...

[@twaunniebusse7262]

I hope that Celebrity is successful with river cruising

[@danasandoval624]

There needs to be enforced hand washing before entering the buffet and dinning rooms, not just stand there and ask but say…you must wash your hands before entering. The crew also needs to make sure their hands are washed. Some people are just not clean and that’s unacceptable around other people when the chance of spreading germs is greater.

[@lowvizlife]

That's intriguing that Celebrity is getting into the river cruise game. Would be nice if your loyalty carried over.

[@lightwarrior432]

I’m sure they will 😉👍🏽

[@lrosen0730]

They already announced it will.

[@billmavity8292]

Question would be does Viking ocean status roll to viking river cruises??

[@angelathomas6770]

Love to see how celebrity cruises does river cruises.

[@pattappurple]

It will be interesting to see how Celebrity approaches river cruises.

[@SeaTravelr123]

I can’t imagine a better l no line to add this.

[@sharonmcmickens9853]

Hi Don

[@garyroelli855]

Would it be better if a cruise employee served-dished out-the buffet food instead of self service?

[@retiredstitcher8697]

Actually, Viking Mars holds 930 passengers.

[@Girasole5849]

I’d be interested in a Celebrity river cruise.

[@OrioleBeagle]

If Celebrity does river cruises in the United States. they will have to flag them in the US and have American crew members. Viking has to lease their American river cruise ships from their American builder. (The ships have to be American owned).

[@WaterWorld1]

Most European river boats are almost identical in size, shape and capacity due to low bridges and locks to fit in. TeamCo (Holland) who are building the Celebrity river ships, built river ships for Amadeus, AmaWaterways and Emerald. I would imagine the only difference with celebrity river boats will be the branding and décor. There's little room for "real" innovation. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure that it will be a great (and expensive) product!

[@dereky3817]

I see people at the handwashing stations all the time.

[@dorothygiunta8519]

I'm loyal to Celebrity so I'm going to be booking one of their river cruises. I've been waiting!! No children please!!! No big shows! It's all about the itinerary and Ambiance .

[@TracyKMainwaring]

They way it was when we switch to Celebrity was you transfer your level at that time, but then each line was separate. No going back and forth. We went with Celebrity in 2017 and they matched our Royal status. When we did Royal in 2019 it did not change our Celebrity status.

[@deborahwedickcooper2751]

I would really want an Amazon river cruise with Celebrity. No kids please!

[@raycorbeil3233]

Royal Caribbean has made washy washy a daily protocol...you have a person at the entrance of their buffet...before entering the Windjammer you need to wash your hands ....just good to know they are actively working to help you stay healthy...

[@IesKorpershoek]

River cruise prices are just insane so I understand. The best river cruise companies charge 10.000 - 15.000 pp.

[@DileepB]

Not true. You can get french balcony for about $5,000

[@anncampbell5952]

A big part of the expense with European river cruising is the cost of the airlines to get you there.

[@DileepB]

@@anncampbell5952 same as ocean cruises in Europe!

[@michaelw3090]

True… one week on the Douro River costs as much as two weeks Carribean cruise !

[@WaterWorld1]

There are some more reasonable priced, good quality, river lines in Europe.

[@randa200771]

I presume that they are planning on the European waterways which makes me wonder where as I thought the river cruise market was already at saturation point.

[@JunesTravels]

Maybe this is the reason they are doing a focus group and paying people for their opinion. I would love to do River cruise the lack of things to do has stopped me so far. But getting older. Who knows

[@jeffreytalbot3431]

I got off the Celebrity Reflection in November, Celebrity is no longer Celebrity 😉. I called them and finally got a person and I said “what did you do to the brand.” Freaking joke. Got FCC for our “crew mishaps.” Probably will not use them, it was bad. P.S. we ate a Le Peteite Chef and got locked in with wheelchair outside. No joke. Princess in April

[@lightwarrior432]

I’d LOVE a Celebrity River Cruise!! YES! 👍🏽