Karl WP Beyer February 5, 2025 – In winter 2025/26, the Celebrity Xcel, currently under construction, will debut with cruises in the Caribbean. The Edge-class ship features unexpected innovations that Celebrity Cruises presented to the amazed public for the first time.
Celebrity XCel - Rendering
The most spectacular innovation is "The Bazaar", a new, multi-sensory space on three levels. Depending on the target group, the space changes from a market with local handicraft products to regionally inspired culinary experiences to an event location.
In its first Caribbean season, Celebrity Cruises is presenting four "festivals" that are representative of the Caribbean, in keeping with the destinations it visits. Ship guests will be inspired by a market with local handicraft products, regional culinary experiences and typical regional entertainment. On sea days, guests can get in the mood for the next destination at the "Market at The Bazaar". These events are accompanied by local artisans who present their works and traditions and offer products.
Celebrity XCel - The Bazaar - Rendering
Over the course of the cruise, the market offerings at the “Bazaar” change. Guests are offered rum and chocolate tastings as well as “hot sauce tastings”. Basket weaving and embroidery courses are also offered.
The onboard kitchen has other innovations in store for its guests. The open kitchen concept of the "Mosaic" restaurant offers the chef's table and a cooking school. In Mosaic, the chefs create dishes inspired by local cuisine. And not forgetting "Spice". The new casual dining concept is practiced in the inviting new seating area of "Spice". Guests who just want to eat a little something can enjoy a selection of changing appetizers with special ingredients influenced by the respective destination.
Things are also happening with the shore excursions. The focus is apparently on personalized and tailor-made private journeys as well as many small group tours.
Celebrity Xcel launches on November 18, 2025 Fort Lauderdale for her six-day maiden voyage. Throughout the winter, two different eight-day cruises are offered every Sunday from Fort Lauderdale. One route leads to Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), Charlotte Amalie (Saint Thomas/US Virgin Islands) and to Philipsburg, the capital of Sint MaartenOn another route, Celebrity guests travel to Bimini (Bahamas), Cozumel (Mexico) and George Town, the capital of the Cayman Islands.
Starting in May 2026, Celebrity Xcel will complete its first season in Europe with destinations in Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Greece and Turkey.
