Your Happy Place Has Arrived. Celebrity Xcel Officially Sets Sail. Photo: Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Xcel makes its official debut in Fort Lauderdale. The excitement around this new ship is already noticeable. The latest addition to Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series brings seven new experiences that were shaped directly by travelers through the Xcel Dream Makers program. Guests from around the world weighed in on everything from food ideas to entertainment concepts, and the result is a ship that reflects what vacationers actually want.
Celebrity Xcel ship - Mosaic. Photo: Celebrity Cruises“With each new ship, we raise the bar for the ultimate vacation experience – and Celebrity Xcel stands in a class of her own,” said Jason Liberty, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “With innovative design, elevated style, and signature hospitality, Celebrity Xcel’s arrival sets a new standard for the industry and adds to our collection of experiences that turn the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.”
Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, added that, “Celebrity Xcel was thoughtfully designed with our guests in mind to be the happy place of vacationers globally. From the seven new spaces guests will experience, to the innovative Xcel Dream Makers program, where our guests played a direct role in shaping the ship’s features, Celebrity Xcel lives up to her name in every way.”
Celebrity Xcel ship sets sail. Photo: Celebrity CruisesA lot of the buzz surrounds The Bazaar, a three-level space that shifts throughout the day. It’s meant to blur the line between the destinations on the itinerary and the time guests spend at sea. The Bazaar features two dining spots inspired by global flavors, a market with artisan goods, and a rotating series of mini-festivals tied to each sailing.
Another new venue, Bora, sits on the rooftop and leans into a Mediterranean vibe. During the day, it hosts a lively brunch with classics, cocktails and over-the-top Bloody Mary toppings. At night, it switches to a quieter, more intimate restaurant with tableside preparations and a playlist of Greek and Italian songs.
The Celebrity Pool Club has also been upgraded with more shaded areas, a pool valet, and private cabanas for guests who want a VIP setup. For something more playful, Attic at The Club offers 24/7 games, including retro arcade favorites and bar-style classics.
Other additions include the first Celebrity Flagship store, a larger spa featuring a new Hydra Room and Vitamin D Deck, and the most extensive entertainment lineup the cruise line has ever offered.
Celebrity Xcel ship - Pool Club. Photo: Celebrity CruisesCelebrity Xcel starts its first season from Fort Lauderdale with weeklong trips across the Caribbean, followed by a European run in summer 2026, including new overnight stays in Madeira.