Home » CRUISE NEWS » Celebrity Xcel Sets Sail from Fort Lauderdale: A New Era in Luxury Cruising
Published on
November 15, 2025
Celebrity Cruises made a significant announcement by presenting Celebrity Xcel, a new ship in the Edge Series. This ship, which will officially set sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, heralds the beginning of a new era in luxury cruising and provides guests with a variety of unique experiences. Like the previous four ships of the celebrated Edge Series, Celebrity Xcel assures the travellers with more than a journey; it promises an engaging holiday with the coexistence of modernity and sophistication, creating enduring memories.
Designed with vacationers in mind, the ship is packed with seven brand-new attractions, ranging from dynamic dining options to cutting-edge wellness features. These new offerings complement the signature amenities found across Celebrity Cruises’ fleet, ensuring a premium experience at sea. The Xcel Dream Makers program, where passengers played a pivotal role in shaping the ship’s offerings, makes this voyage even more special.
Celebrity Xcel: Groundbreaking Features and Experiences
Celebrity Xcel’s offerings set it apart from other cruise ships with its array of new experiences designed to immerse guests in every aspect of their vacation. One of the most notable features is The Bazaar, a three-story space that transforms daily, blending in-port and onboard activities through food, live music, and destination-inspired events. Guests can enjoy two distinct dining experiences, Mosaic and Spice Cafe, both featuring unique flavours from the destinations the ship visits. The Market offers local artisan products, and four exclusive festivals highlight each cruise’s unique itinerary.
For guests seeking a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, Bora, the Mediterranean-inspired rooftop restaurant, will serve Mediterranean classics and a lively brunch experience by day. As the sun sets, it transitions into a romantic dinner setting featuring chef-led tableside dining and Mediterranean melodies, offering an intimate dining experience under the stars.
The Celebrity Pool Club raises the bar for poolside relaxation with an all-day experience that includes a pool valet providing services such as chilled towels, card games, and storage for personal items. For those seeking privacy, VIP cabanas are available with enhanced services. The new design provides increased shading and a more comfortable pool experience.
For entertainment enthusiasts, The Attic at The Club is a 24/7 neon-lit games room designed for adults, featuring retro games like Pac-Man, NBA Showtime, and Golden Tee, along with activities such as pool, darts, and shuffleboard. This vibrant area offers endless fun for guests looking to relive their favourite games while making new memories with fellow travellers.
Celebrity Xcel also debuts the Celebrity Flagship, a first-of-its-kind onboard store celebrating the cruise line’s history. This interactive retail experience features trivia, historical artefacts, vintage collectibles, and a wide range of customizable merchandise, including limited-edition Celebrity Xcel items.
Wellness and Relaxation at Sea
For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the ship’s Hydra Room is a standout feature in the Thermal Suite, offering guests a water-based wellness experience that promises to refresh both body and mind. Guests can also unwind at the new Vitamin D Deck, which offers panoramic ocean views and an outdoor space to soak in the sun. Complementary non-alcoholic beverages are available to keep guests refreshed as they relax in the open air.
The wellness experience on Celebrity Xcel is further enhanced by the most expansive spa offering yet. Guests can indulge in luxurious treatments and therapies designed to restore and invigorate, ensuring their time at sea is as restful as it is enjoyable.
Celebrity Xcel’s Itineraries
Celebrity Xcel will embark on its inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale, offering seven-night itineraries that alternate between popular Caribbean destinations such as the Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, and Puerto Plata, alongside stops in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. These cruises promise to deliver the ultimate vacation experience with a mix of relaxing days at sea and exciting explorations at exotic ports of call.
Starting in Summer 2026, Celebrity Xcel will set sail for Europe, where it will offer Mediterranean cruises departing from Barcelona and Athens. New stops in Madeira, Portugal will allow guests to enjoy extended stays in this stunning destination, enhancing their cruising experience. These European itineraries will offer a unique way to explore the Mediterranean, combining the luxury of Celebrity Xcel with the rich cultural heritage of the region.
A New Standard for Luxury Cruises
The introduction of Celebrity Xcel represents a significant leap forward for Celebrity Cruises and the cruise industry as a whole. With its innovative design, new experiences, and focus on guest involvement, the ship is setting a new standard in luxury cruising. Whether it’s indulging in exclusive dining, relaxing by the pool, or immersing oneself in vibrant entertainment, Celebrity Xcel offers something for everyone, ensuring that every moment onboard is memorable. For those seeking a truly extraordinary vacation at sea, Celebrity Xcel promises to deliver an experience like no other.
