After Sailing Celebrity Reflection, I Know Exactly Why Celebrity Xcel Has Me So Excited
I stepped off Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Reflection just a few hours ago, and I’ll say it confidently—Celebrity continues to be the best luxury cruise option at sea.
From the moment you board, the difference is unmistakable. The service is refined, the culinary options are consistently strong, and the ships themselves are thoughtfully designed—whether you’re sailing on a beautifully updated classic or one of the sleek, modern Edge-Class vessels. Celebrity has mastered the balance between luxury and livability, and that’s exactly why I continue to recommend them so strongly to my clients.
And now, Celebrity is raising the bar yet again.
Introducing Celebrity Xcel: Destination Immersion, Reimagined
The brand-new Celebrity Xcel is already turning heads. Xcel began sailing the Caribbean in November 2025 and will transition to Mediterranean itineraries for Summer 2026—and what sets her apart isn’t just the ship itself, but what’s happening onboard.
At the heart of Xcel is The Bazaar, a groundbreaking space designed to extend the destination experience far beyond the port. Rather than sea days feeling like downtime, Celebrity has transformed them into cultural immersion days—blending food, music, art, and hands-on experiences into one cohesive experience.
Celebrity President Laura Hodges Bethge described it best:
“The Bazaar has revolutionized destination immersion, keeping guests enveloped in the culture of destinations well beyond their time in port.”
New European-Inspired Festivals on Celebrity Xcel
The Bazaar - Celebrity Xcel
As Xcel sails through Europe, guests will experience four all-new destination festivals, each designed to bring the heartbeat of the Mediterranean onboard:
🇬🇷 Opa Festival – Greece
A joyful celebration of Greek culture filled with traditional flavors, music, and the infectious energy Greece is known for.
🇮🇹 La Dolce Vita Festival – Italy
Romance, beauty, and indulgence take center stage with Italian specialties, limoncello tastings, and classic Italian flair.
🇪🇸 Salud Festival – Spain
A vibrant fusion of Spanish rhythm and color, featuring flamenco dancers, bold flavors, and lively performances.
🌍 Silk & Spice Festival – Morocco & Turkey
A sensory journey inspired by rich spices, mesmerizing dances, and the layered cultures of North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Each festival features local food and beverage offerings, artisan markets, crafting experiences, destination-inspired classes, and pop-up entertainment by regional performers—bringing Europe to life even while at sea.
A Culinary Experience Worth Sailing For
Food lovers will be especially excited about what Xcel offers:
Mosaic – An open-kitchen concept serving elevated, reimagined dishes inspired by cities like Naples, Mykonos, and Lisbon
Spice – A casual daytime dining option with rotating regional bites
Chef’s Studio at Mosaic – Celebrity’s first-ever destination-inspired cooking school, where guests can learn to prepare authentic regional delicacies themselves
This is immersive cruising done right—thoughtful, elevated, and deeply connected to the destinations you’re sailing.
Why This Matters for Your Next Cruise
Celebrity Xcel isn’t just another new ship. It represents where luxury cruising is headed: fewer generic experiences, more meaningful travel moments, and deeper cultural connection without sacrificing comfort or service.
If you’ve been thinking about a Mediterranean cruise for 2026—or want to experience the newest Edge-Class ship in the Caribbean—now is the time to start planning.
Ready to Sail Celebrity Xcel?
Let’s talk about the best itineraries, stateroom categories, and sailing dates for you. Whether this is your first Celebrity cruise or your next one, I’ll help you navigate every detail so you can travel with confidence and zero stress.
Reach out today to start planning your Celebrity Xcel experience.
Onboard Celebrity Apex November 2025
About Melissa
I’m Melissa, the travel advisor behind Wanders by Melissa Vacation Planning. I specialize in cruises and thoughtfully planned vacations that balance luxury, value, and unforgettable experiences. I truly love what I do, and my goal is to make sure every client feels supported before, during, and after their trip—because when you travel with a professional in your corner, you travel better.
If you’re ready to plan your next cruise or just want to explore what’s possible, I’d love to help.
Melissa@wandersbymelissa.com | WANDERSBYMELISSA.COM | 601-540-7336
