Celebrity Cruises expands slow‑travel European cruise itinerary

Celebrity Cruises is launching an expanded "slow travel" concept for its 2026 European season. The program offers 59 overnight stays and more than 1,000 extended port calls, covering nearly 100 destinations across the continent. Eight ships will operate until October, including three innovative Edge‑class vessels – the Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Apex and the newly introduced Celebrity Xcel – alongside other fleet members.

Key highlights feature overnight stays in Madeira, La Spezia (providing daytime and evening access to Florence and Pisa), late‑night sailings to Santorini and Mykonos, and an overnight visit to Istanbul where guests can explore the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Extended stays are also scheduled in northern European ports such as Amsterdam. The itinerary emphasizes cultural immersion, local cuisine and authentic encounters, allowing travellers to spend more time at each port rather than rushing through multiple stops.