We just stepped off the brand-new Celebrity Xcel, the latest gem in Celebrity’s award-winning Edge-class — and I am so excited to share my thoughts with you!
Let’s start with the obvious: this ship is absolutely stunning. From the soaring, three-story Grand Plaza anchored by the iconic Martini Bar to the vibrant LED tunnel that leads you into The Bazaar, every corner feels beautifully designed. It’s sleek, modern, and effortlessly elegant — everything shines, everything feels fresh, and yes… everything looks exactly the way I like it!
And the energy onboard? Pure fun. Yes, Celebrity is a premium cruise line, but that does not mean stuffy or boring. Not even close. At the Martini Bar, you’re not just sipping a cocktail — you’re getting a full-on show with bartenders who practically channel Tom Cruise in “Cocktail.” And the Grand Plaza? It transforms into a lively hub where salsa lessons spill across all three levels. You can’t help but jump in.
One of the best parts of the ship is the four festivals of The Bazaar — Carnival, Aqua, Viva, and Flora — each one celebrating the colors, flavors, and rhythms of the Caribbean. It’s such a refreshing approach to cruising: instead of separating the ship from the destinations, Celebrity brings the destination right onboard.
Entertainment remains one of Celebrity’s strongest features, and Xcel absolutely delivers. You can line dance at Saddle Up Saloon, dive into trivia and game shows at The Club, or pop into the ship’s real live photo booth (IYKYK).
And let’s talk dining — because your taste buds will thank you. With over 30 dining venues, there’s always something new to try. In addition to the four main dining rooms (Normandie, Tuscan, Cyprus, and Cosmopolitan), you can slurp fresh oysters at Raw on 5 or enjoy dinner with a whimsical twist at Le Petit Chef.
So… Is the Celebrity Xcel worth the hype?
One hundred percent YES. But don’t take my word for it — you need to experience it yourself.
Reach out to Marvelous Mouse Travels and let’s get your Celebrity Xcel adventure planned!
