Celebrity Cruises: An exclusive first look on board the brand-new Celebrity Xcel - everything you need to know

On board the new vessel, loyal Celebrity guests will find a lot of familiarities - the sleek design, outward-facing architecture, and stylish accommodations found on the Edge Series ships. The areas created in previous ships by interior designer Kelly Hoppen - such as The Retreat and Iconic Suites - remain, but Xcel brings some notable changes, including new features and designs that really elevate the cruising experience.

A community of holidaymakers (known as the Xcel Dream Makers) have had a clear influence on the fresh additions. The group helped choose all of the new experiences - from the updated entertainment and interiors, to new food and drink items (which are clearly marked in menus).

Some of the most important highlights that set Celebrity Xcel apart are the new areas: the Bazaar, Bora, Attic at The Club, the Celebrity Flagship, the Celebrity Pool Club and the Hydra Room & Vitamin D deck.

The Bazaar

First up is an incredible immersive space that is arguably the most striking addition. Set over three storeys, the Bazaar promises to be the ship’s cultural heartbeat, bringing authentic experiences from the cruise stop to the ship.

Walking into the Bazaar is truly immersive - expect projections, scents, global flavours, live music, and destination-inspired entertainment.

Whether the room is showcasing the Caribbean or Mediterranean stops, every detail has been carefully considered - from the exciting entertainment and local cuisine, to crew members who are from the area. The entertainment changes depending on the stop, but the shows are truly not to be missed.

You don't need to wait to explore a port; the port comes to you.

Bora

Perched at the top of the ship, Bora offers what might be the best views on board. With indoor/outdoor dining and a cocktail reception served on a portable bar - think Bloody Marys at breakfast and an array of Spritzes at cocktail hour - guests can relax into the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle.

There is a slower pace of drinks and dining, with boozy brunches during the day and evening meals served family-style. As Celebrity puts it, expect a “date night that lasts all day”.

Attic at The Club

Whether you love a little bit of competition or enjoy the nostalgia of an arcade night, the neon-lit Attic at The Club adds some friendly competition to your days. Guests can play pool, challenge friends to darts, or chase high scores on retro arcade machines.

You'll also find pop-up entertainment like karaoke and the brand-new theme night, the Saddle Up Saloon, another Dream Maker choice. Expect a fun-filled country bash with live music, line dancing, and hootin' tootin' DJ sets right into the wee hours.

The area makes an ideal late-night option for groups of any age - they can take part in the games, catch a show, vibe with the energetic music or simply enjoy the fully stocked bar.

Celebrity Flagship

Part museum, part concept store, this gives a nostalgic nod to the past for Celebrity cruise fanatics, and a chance to discover the brand for first-time sailors. The Celebrity Flagship blends history with retail in a space that showcases the line’s evolution since 1988, including original menus, model ships and other memorabilia.

Guests can browse exhibits, interactive installations, and limited-edition merchandise, including Xcel exclusives and nostalgic collectables. Many of the items were shared by previous guests, adding a real personal touch to the collection.

Celebrity Pool Club

With extra shade, personalised service, and new entertainment options, the Celebrity Pool Club reinvents the classic cruise pool experience. The Pool Valet supplies everything from chilled towels to sunscreen, while private cabanas offer a VIP vantage point complete with upgraded bites and cocktails.

The ship will see the launch of the 'Poolest Day Ever' - a not-to-be-missed pool party with DJ sets, pop-up entertainment, boozy ice cream and more, taking place on the last sea day of every Caribbean sailing.

The Spa’s Hydra Room & Vitamin D Deck

Wellness has also had an upgrade with Celebrity’s first Hydra Room, a therapeutic H₂O concept within the expanded Thermal Suite. Outside, the Vitamin D Deck provides an alfresco sanctuary for sun-seekers.

With more than 120 treatments, a refreshed salon, and a prosecco-serving Bubbles Bar, the Spa has been upgraded into a full-day destination rather than a pit stop. Guests can even enjoy a complimentary glass of prosecco with some treatments, giving a truly luxurious experience.

Food and beverages

There is plenty of choice for where to eat and drink - the ship boasts eight specialty restaurants, four main dining restaurants, four complimentary casual dining venues and two exclusive restaurants, as well as 14 cafés, bars and lounges.

Quality and authenticity are evident throughout the dining options. The small details matter, with condiments such as mustard and ketchup being made fresh every day at some venues.

There is always somewhere to grab a bite, but themed or elevated dining can be pre-booked. Highlights include Fine Cut steakhouse ($65pp dinner/$45pp lunch, excluding gratuity), Spice, for complimentary authentic bites from the place you visit on your sailing, or even an elevated dining menu on the famous Magic Carpet ($129pp).

For something more luxurious, holidaymakers can book the Chef's Table at Mosaic ($150pp) - a restaurant which puts a spin on the destination's signature dishes - or head to Le Voyage ($169pp). For guests looking to splurge, consider the Le Voyage Tasting menu, which costs $255pp. The menu takes travellers on a culinary journey inspired by travel, with dishes created by world-renowned chef Daniel Boulud, and an array of award-winning wines.

Celebrity's signature Martini Bar can be found in the heart of the ship, offering an extensive menu of martinis, as well as wines, spirits, beers and more delicious drink options. It's a sleek and high-energy venue where holidaymakers can catch one of the twice-daily flair shows, where bartenders really show off their skills. If that's not enough, there is a steady flow of other performances - think live music and tableside magicians - to keep you entertained. Unsure what to drink? The Lychee Martini is the bestseller and absolutely delicious.

Entertainment

The ship offers a wider range of entertainment than ever, including four new shows. Find a taste of disco, whodunit mysteries, candlelight concerts and a night of Nashville fun. Festivals, Shine the Night, Silent Discos and more fun events will keep holidaymakers entertained at all hours.

On top of this, there are three new stage productions at The Theatre - including a peek behind-the-scenes at a 1920s Hollywood film set, set to iconic hits and enhanced by the large, curved screen wrapping around the theatre and promising a vibrant visual display - there really are no bad seats in the theatre. Other activities include live band karaoke, High Stakes Trivia, quizzes, escape room-inspired games and more than 50 sports and games on huge wall screens.

Accommodation & Onboard Living

Celebrity sets itself apart from other cruiseliners with sleek, stylish decor and modern amenities. Staterooms across Celebrity Xcel follow the refined Edge blueprint: bright, elegant, and designed with a boutique-hotel aesthetic. Nearly every room features a king-sized bed topped with Celebrity’s eXhale bedding and exclusive Cashmere mattress, aiming to really give guests the best night's sleep at sea.

At the top end, The Retreat delivers a genuine ship-within-a-ship escape: a private lounge, an expansive sundeck, and Luminae, the exclusive suites restaurant. For wellness seekers, AquaClass includes access to the Thermal Suite, an immersive Hydra Room experience, and dining in Blu, where the menu is spa-inspired without being austere.

Rooms on board the ship include Inside Staterooms, which offer stylish, comfortable spaces with generous storage and upgraded bathrooms. Ocean View Staterooms add large floor-to-ceiling windows and premium bedding for relaxed sea views.

Infinite Veranda Staterooms transform the entire exterior wall into a balcony at the touch of a button, blending indoor and outdoor living, while Veranda Staterooms provide a private outdoor space to enjoy ocean views.

Concierge Class enhances the Infinite Veranda experience with priority services and exclusive amenities, and AquaClass® elevates wellness with spa-inspired touches, exclusive dining at Blu, and access to the SEA Thermal Suite.

At the top level, The Retreat offers spacious luxury suites with expansive verandas, premium packages, private dining, exclusive lounges and sundecks, and dedicated butler service.

With a Godmother embodying inspiration and global cultural connection - chef Janaína Torres - Xcel brings together forward-thinking spaces, refined dining, and impressive new entertainment concepts.