I’ve been on a lot of cruises in my day (an understatement for sure). I’ve traveled the world by ship, I’ve floated down the Mekong in Thailand, visited capitals of Europ,e, and I feel like a snowbird with a second home in most ports of the Caribbean (that sounds like a weird “where do Floridians snowbird” joke waiting to happen), but my 2-day pre-inaugural sailing on Celebrity Xcel left me feeling like I hadn’t done it all, because this isn’t just another shiny new ship with updated furniture and a fresh coat of paint. Celebrity has completely reimagined what a cruise experience should be, and honestly? They left me wanting more.
Xcel is the Ship that Brings Destinations to YOU
Here’s where Celebrity turned cruising on its bow: Instead of just being a floating luxury hotel that takes you from port to port, the Xcel actually brings the destinations to the ship. I know that sounds like a marketing ploy, but it’s not. Celebrity has actually pulled it off, and in ways that I never expected.
The star of this ship is The Bazaar, a three-story space that completely transforms throughout your cruise. Picture this: one day you’re wandering through a Mediterranean market, the next you’re immersed in a Caribbean festival. It’s not just themed decorations either, I’m talking about destination-inspired dining at Mosaic and Spice Cafe, live entertainment that changes with each destination, and The Market, where you can shop for authentic local goods. If you’re in the Caribbean, you’ll walk through a tunnel of fish to find beautiful crafts, sarongs, and rums from the area. They tell me that if you’re in Santorini, you can expect local visuals, Greek food, and I’m imagining beautiful handicrafts from the area.
And here’s my favorite part: When you are in port, actual local artisans come aboard to sell their handmade wares. You pay them directly and not the ship, which means you’re supporting real craftspeople and bringing home something genuinely special. As someone who loves to shop and seeks out our authentic artisans when I go ashore, I was so excited to hear this. The stores throughout the ship (including the ones at The Bazaar) are absolutely fabulous. Yes, there is the usual Effy and upscale watches and handbags, but Xcel has its own section of merch in the Celebrity Flagship Store (check out the Celebrity museum while you’re there) with customizable items that can be engraved, embroidered, or printed, like water bottles, cocktail kits, keychains, caps, and robes. Plus, Celebrity Flagship will stock one-of-a-kind Celebrity products that are only available on Celebrity Xcel.
Bloody Marys with a View (Make Mine Virgin, Please!)
Let me tell you about Bora, the new rooftop Mediterranean restaurant that had me planning my next cruise before I’d even finished my first meal. With panoramic ocean views, this place transitions seamlessly from a lively, boozy brunch by day to an intimate, chef-led tableside dining experience by night.
Now, I wasn’t drinking on this cruise, but I do love a spicy Bloody Mary. But I got so excited about the Bloody Mary bar. If you don’t drink, they’ll whip up a virgin version with all the over-the-top garnishes and flair of the boozy ones. If you do, you’ll feel like you’re at that special Sunday Brunch every single day if you want to. We’re talking customizable creations that are practically works of art (shrimp, bacon, all sorts of fun garnishes).
During the day, Bora serves Mediterranean classics alongside brunch favorites (do not, I repeat DO NOT miss their French Toast — I did and now I have to book another trip on the Xcel just to see what everyone was talking about for the entire next day), with Greek ballads and Italian love songs providing the soundtrack. It’s giving Santorini sunset vibes, and I am here for it.
My Aqua Class Sanctuary
I stayed in an Aqua Class cabin, and the layout is noticeably different from other Celebrity ships I’ve sailed on. Everything feels more thoughtfully designed, more spacious somehow. And since Aqua Class comes with spa perks, you’ll be able to spend plenty of time exploring The Spa, and this one is Celebrity’s most expansive yet.
The new Hydra Room is a game-changer. This water-focused wellness experience is one of eight therapeutic offerings in the Thermal Suite, and it’s designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. But here’s what I really appreciated: the thermal chairs are positioned to give you actual privacy. You’re not sitting elbow-to-elbow with strangers while trying to relax. It’s like they finally understood that spa time should feel personal and peaceful.
Oh, and the outdoor Vitamin D Deck at the front of the ship? Sweeping views, ocean breezes, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, and stylish seating. You may have to spend a suspicious amount of time there.
Play Time at The Club
The Club has been completely transformed into an adult playground that I didn’t know I needed. Open 24/7, this neon-lit games lounge (they call it Attic at The Club) is pure nostalgia meets modern fun. Pac-Man, NBA Showtime, Golden Tee, plus pool, darts, foosball, and shuffleboard. It’s the perfect spot to make memories with friends, old and new, and maybe challenge your travel companion to a friendly competition.
Poolside Perfection
The Celebrity Pool Club is what every resort pool wishes it could be. With the POOLEST DAY EVER and the new pool valet service that brings you chilled towels, card games, sunscreen, and storage for your stuff without you having to leave your sunbed. Yes, there are now lockers at the pool valet in case you want to leave your possessions locked up while you’re swimming laps. I also noticed that there was much more shade (thank goodness), and if you really want to go VIP for the day, private cabanas with dedicated service are available. It’s elevated poolside luxury that makes you forget you’re even on a ship.
Winning in Style
As someone who appreciates a good casino, I was thrilled to find a larger casino that finally has a casino bar. No more leaving to grab a drink and losing your lucky machine, or waiting for a server to pass by. And yes, I walked away a winner — always my favorite way to end a cruise! FYI, I love to gamble, but I usually can’t handle being in the casino for very long. As with all of the ships in Celebrity’s fleet, the casino is non-smoking (YAY).
A Flagship Experience in Every Sense
Don’t even get me started on the new Celebrity Flagship store. It’s part museum, part interactive retail experience, part celebration of all things Celebrity. Interactive screens with trivia, historical artifacts, vintage collectibles…it’s like a love letter to the brand’s history. You can customize items with engraving, embroidery, or printing (water bottles, cocktail kits, caps, robes), and they stock exclusive products you can only find on the Xcel.
Entertainment Around Every Corner
With three new shows in The Theatre, two interactive shows in The Club, immersive dance parties, and live music throughout the day, there’s literally something for everyone at any time. The variety is unprecedented, and the quality? Top-notch as always. And the entertainment doesn’t stop when the show on stage is over. Celebrity brought in serious talent, including culinary ambassador Chef Daniel Boulud, world-class mixologist Sebastian Tollius, and their Godmother, Janaína Torres (World’s Best Female Chef 2024). These aren’t just names on a brochure; you feel their influence throughout the ship.
Oh, and There’s One More Secret
I’m going to let you discover it for yourself. Just head to the Photobooth with your significant other or bestie…and that’s ALL that I’m saying.
The Bottom Line
I found the Celebrity Xcel to be thoughtfully designed, immersing you in your destinations while providing the luxuries you want from a cruise. From supporting local artisans at The Bazaar to sipping Bloody Marys with a view at Bora, from finding zen in the new Hydra Room to channeling your inner child at The Club, every space has a purpose, and that purpose is giving you the best vacation you’ve ever had.
I fell in love with this ship, and I have a feeling you will too. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have another cruise to book.
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For more information and to book a sailing with Celebrity Cruises, visit www.celebrity.com,
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Call Celebrity Cruises at 1–800-CELEBRITY or contact a trusted travel advisor.
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Don’t forget to check out the great BLACK FRIDAY DEALS going on NOW!!!
Photos of the Xcel Inaugural by Evan Zimmerman