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Celebrity Xcel: A Ship Designed for Luxe Resort Lovers

Zachary Laks
Zachary Laks 5 Min Read
Celebrity Xcel at sea during sunset

Article summary:

Step aboard the Celebrity Xcel and experience a cruise like no other—sleek, modern and brimming with resort-style luxury. The fifth ship in Celebrity Cruises’ renowned Edge Series offers vibrant entertainment, inspired dining and thoughtfully designed spaces that appeal to adults, couples and families alike.

Why you’ll love Celebrity Xcel:

  • The Bazaar: A three-story, immersive marketplace bringing local culture and live performances onboard.
  • Dining & drinks: Bora rooftop restaurant, first-ever brunch at sea and a secret “IYKYK” hideaway for unforgettable experiences.
  • Entertainment & fun: Cutting-edge theatre productions, interactive experiences, pop-up shows and lively parties throughout the ship.
  • Pool & staterooms: Chic Pool Club with cabanas and valet service; staterooms and suites that mix modern comfort with spa-inspired luxury.

Where the ship sails:

  • Caribbean winter escapes: 6–8 nights from Fort Lauderdale or Miami.
  • Mediterranean summer adventures: 7–11 nights from Barcelona or Athens, exploring iconic cities and hidden gems.

AAA Member perks:
Exclusive pricing, onboard credits and expert planning make booking a Celebrity Xcel cruise easy, seamless and rewarding.

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Author Zach Laks standing next to the Celebrity Xcel The author boarding the Celebrity Xcel

Picture a paradise at sea, then infuse it with sleek, contemporary style. Onboard the new Celebrity Xcel, you’ll discover inspired restaurants, chic bars and lounges and resort-style luxury—all floating across the ocean. Add electrifying entertainment, a vibrant destination-themed neighborhood and a lively Pool Club, and it’s clear this innovative ship is redefining modern cruising.

The ship is the fifth to debut in Celebrity’s Edge Series, the widely celebrated class that ushered in a new era of bold, architecture-driven ship design in 2018. I was fortunate to sail on the inaugural Edge voyage that same year and was immediately wowed by its sculptural lines and stunning asymmetry. Seven years later, I returned for the launch of Celebrity Xcel to see just how far the series has evolved—and what I discovered was a ship that feels even more refined, more imaginative and more ambitious. Here’s what stood out most.

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A fresh take on immersive travel: The Bazaar

The Bazaar—an entirely new concept for the line—is a three-story, shape-shifting space designed to “erase the line between the ship and the shore.” It’s a bold idea and it succeeds by creating four distinct, immersive worlds that feel animated and authentic.  When sailing in the Caribbean, The Bazaar transforms daily with complete cultural overlays, each inspired by the ship’s ports of call. Up to 80 percent of the goods sold in the marketplace are handcrafted locally from the destinations, making it a meaningful place to pick up souvenirs. Rotating performances and live musicians help the space feel alive—every time I visited, the atmosphere buzzed with energy. 

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Celebrity Xcel's Rooftop Bora Brunch

Fresh (and fun!) dining and drinking

Celebrity has replaced the Rooftop Garden Grill with Bora, a new al fresco dining experience perched high above the water. This stunning open-air venue serves Mediterranean-inspired seafood for brunch and dinner, all alongside panoramic ocean views. The ship’s first-ever brunch at sea is a standout—think French toast, biscuits, eggs and other comfort favorites presented with a playful Mediterranean twist. The star feature: a whimsical Bloody Mary Bar loaded with toppers like chicken nuggets, croissants and even bacon donuts. At sunset, Bora transforms into an intimate, romantic dinner spot.

Another standout is the line’s first “IYKYK” hideaway—a secret space tucked quietly away onboard. While revealing too much would spoil the surprise, I discovered it by accident and can say without hesitation that it became my favorite place on the ship.

Entertainment on board the Celebrity Xcel

Entertainment that truly wows

If you’ve never sailed on an Edge Series ship, prepare to be wowed by the sheer scale and immersive design of The Theatre. With 10 synchronized projection screens encircling the stage, it’s one of the most technologically advanced performance venues at sea. As a lifelong theater fan, I’ve rarely seen a space blend digital artistry and live performance so seamlessly.

The two new mainstage productions—Between Takes, a glamorous tribute to 1920s Hollywood and Chapters, a heartfelt journey of self-discovery—are both polished, visually striking and emotionally resonant.

The entertainment continues throughout the ship. At The Club, guests can dive into interactive experiences such as 254 West, an ’80s-themed dance party and HOTEL, a fast-paced whodunit. Add in lively pop-up performances in The Bazaar, on the pool deck and at the Martini Bar, and the onboard fun becomes an all-day, all-ship experience. The result is an energy that feels contagious—and one of the many ways Celebrity sets itself apart.

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Celebrity Xcel Pool Club

The splashy, stylish Celebrity Pool Club

If lounging poolside is your favorite vacation pastime, you’ll love the Celebrity Pool Club. It feels like a chic resort terrace, reimagining the pool deck as an all-day destination. New stylish umbrellas offer shade throughout the space, while private cabanas and a dedicated pool valet service elevate the experience. The valet team delivers chilled towels, sunscreen, card games and even offers free storage lockers—small touches that make lounging here feel effortlessly indulgent.

Enjoy exclusive savings on Celebrity Cruises

AAA Members can book their own Celebrity cruise experience online or in person with AAA to enjoy exclusive AAA pricing, limited-time offers and special benefits and amenities*. Prefer a hands-off experience? AAA’s knowledgeable Travel Agents can handle every detail, ensuring your cruise is seamless, stress-free and unforgettable.

 

AAA Member Benefits

  • Up to $75 Onboard Credit per stateroom (Concierge and above)

AAA Vacations® Amenities

  • Up to $100 Onboard Credit per stateroom (Concierge and above)
  • Best Price Guarantee & 24/7 Member Care
Celebrity Xcel Royal Suite

Sleep in style: Celebrity Xcel’s staterooms

Aboard Celebrity Xcel, every stateroom is designed as a personal sanctuary at sea, blending modern comfort with thoughtful luxury. Whether you’re seeking a cozy retreat, a sea-view escape or a suite that pampers, there’s a perfect cabin for every traveler.

  • Inside staterooms – Ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want a comfortable, stylish retreat. Smart layouts and modern finishes make these cabins feel spacious despite their cozy footprint.
  • Ocean-view & Veranda staterooms – Wake up to sweeping sea views and enjoy private balconies that bring the outdoors in. Perfect for travelers who want a bit more space and a closer connection to the ocean.
  • AquaClass & Concierge Verandas – Designed for wellness-minded travelers and those seeking extra pampering, featuring spa-inspired amenities, priority reservations and curated experiences.
  • Infinite Veranda staterooms – A sleek, innovative design that seamlessly merges indoor and outdoor living with floor-to-ceiling windows that slide away to create a private balcony experience inside your cabin.
  • Suites & villas – The ultimate in luxury, from Sky Suites to two-room Villas, offering spacious layouts, king-size beds and high-end touches that rival the finest resort accommodations.

No matter your choice, every cabin on Celebrity Xcel turns your stay into a restful, stylish escape at sea.

Who will love the Celebrity Xcel?

What stands out most is the ship’s effortlessly cool vibe—modern, refined and never pretentious. Travelers who appreciate contemporary design, boutique-hotel touches and stylish, adults-forward spaces will feel right at home. While it’s an ideal choice for travelers 45 and older, couples and families will also enjoy the thoughtfully designed spaces, lively entertainment and versatile dining experiences that make every day at sea memorable.

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Celebrity Xcel restaurant with overview

Where the Celebrity Xcel will sail

The Celebrity Xcel offers travelers the best of both worlds, dividing its seasons between the sun-soaked Caribbean and the culturally rich Mediterranean.

  • Winter escapes in the Caribbean – Set sail on 6- to 8-night itineraries from Fort Lauderdale and Miami, exploring sparkling beaches, vibrant ports and tropical adventures in destinations such as the Bahamas, St. Maarten and the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
  • Summer adventures in the Mediterranean – Embark on 7- to 11-night sailings from Barcelona or Athens, discovering iconic European cities, historic coastal towns and hidden gems along the Mediterranean shores.
Celebrity Xcel Hydra Room, which is a new hydrotherapy soaking space with massaging jets and heated loungers.

Ready to experience Celebrity Xcel?

Whether you’re dreaming of sun-soaked Caribbean beaches or a culture-filled Mediterranean journey, the Celebrity Xcel offers an unforgettable way to travel. An knowledgeable AAA Travel Agent can help you plan your voyage from start to finish—and unlock exclusive member benefits, special AAA Discounted Rate and expert guidance you won’t find anywhere else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Celebrity Xcel began sailing in late 2025 with a full schedule of Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries throughout 2026.

The ship introduces The Bazaar, the first-ever brunch at sea for the brand, a new rooftop restaurant, Bora, a secret “IYKYK” venue and upgraded pool deck amenities, making it the most design-forward ship in the Edge Series.

Yes. While the ship has a strong appeal for adults and couples, families will find kid-friendly dining, onboard activities and age-appropriate entertainment options.

The Xcel offers a range of accommodations, including Inside and Oceanview staterooms, Infinite Veranda cabins, Concierge Class, AquaClass spa staterooms and The Retreat’s suites.

The 7-night Caribbean sailings and the 10- and 11-night Mediterranean itineraries tend to be the most in-demand.

Yes— save with exclusive AAA pricing† on select sailings when you book the AAA Discounted Rate and other member benefits not available to the general public.

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†AAA Discounted Rates apply to select sailings only. All ship features, experiences and itineraries are subject to change without notice. Prices apply to new bookings only, are not valid for groups and cannot be held as group block. Prices are capacity controlled, subject to availability and may change without notice and may be withdrawn at any time. Onboard Credit amounts based on stateroom category booked: $25 Onboard Credit per Oceanview Stateroom, $75 Onboard Credit per Balcony Stateroom and $100 Onboard Credit per Concierge Class and higher Staterooms. If booked within 30 days of travel, only the onboard credit will be applied. Valid on select sailings. Offer includes: AAA Vacations Best Price Guarantee and AAA Vacations 24 x 7 Member Care Service. Prices vary by ship and sailing date and subject to availability at time of booking. Offer is cruise only, dbl occupancy, subject to availability, capacity controlled, may change without notice or may be withdrawn at any time. No transfers/exchanges/credit. U.S. or Canada ONLY. Any changes to booking may result in removal of offer. Combinable with one other offer or price promotion, including but not limited to ONE other offer including: Always Included, Restricted rates (Senior, Residents, Military and Reduced Air), Captain's Club, Shareholder benefits or Future Cruise offers. Not Combinable with Exciting Deal rates, dollars off promotions, charters or groups. Onboard Credit automatically applied at time of booking to all qualifying bookings. Applies per stateroom, has no cash value, in USD and any unused portion is non-refundable. VIP Check-in does not include priority embarkation. Available for Cruisetours, however, onboard credit amount is applied to cruise portion only. A booking made under the non-refundable deposit cruise fare rate (an "NRD Booking") requires the payment of a non-refundable deposit at the time of booking. The deposit is not refundable at any time after it has been paid. Payment of full deposit and full name are required for each guest at the time of booking. Non-Refundable Deposit Bookings (“NRDB”): To qualify for the lowest available cruise fare, guest must choose a non-refundable deposit. AAA The Auto Club Group and Celebrity Cruises reserve the right to modify or discontinue any aspect of pricing, fees or surcharges at any time, for any reason, and without prior notice or liability. Void where prohibited by law. Ships registry: Malta and Ecuador. Additional restrictions may apply. Ask your AAA Travel Agent for complete offer terms and conditions.

*AAA Member Benefits: Valid for all departures 3-nights or longer with the exception of Galapagos products. Onboard Spending Credit will expire if not used by 10:00 pm on the last evening of the cruise. Offer may not be transferred, exchanged or redeemed for cash or credited towards other purchases or substitutions. Offer is combinable with Celebrity Cruises brand offers. Offer is not applicable on chartered sailings or contracted groups, not valid with future/ onboard cruise offer, excludes tactical offers such as Exciting deals, Happy hour, Net rates, TA reduced rates and/ or interline pricing. Space is limited and offer is not available within 7 days prior to departure. Refer to Cruise Ticket Contract for additional terms and conditions. Additional restrictions may apply. Ask your AAA Travel Agent for complete AAA Member Benefit terms and conditions. AAA Vacations® terms and conditions:AAA Vacations® amenities are available on all sailings except Galapagos and are combinable with AAA Member Benefits. If you make a booking with us for a qualifying AAA Vacations® cruise vacation, and you find a valid better rate for the exact itinerary within 24 hours of your booking, AAA Vacations® will match the lower rate and send you a $50 AAA Vacations® future travel credit certificate. Certain restrictions apply. For complete terms and conditions for the AAA Vacations® Best Price Guarantee, AAA Vacations® 24/7 Member Care and travel providers contact your AAA branch or visit AAA.com/AAAVacations. Best Price Guarantee valid only for new bookings made through a participating AAA motor club and/or AAA travel agency. AAA Vacations® 24/7 Member Care vouchers are only available to AAA Vacations® customers. At least one member of the traveling party must be a AAA/CAA member.