The Inaugural Sailings for the newest ship in the Celebrity Cruise Line fleet, the Celebrity Xcel, has begun and the destinations are absolutely gorgeous! The first few months of the Inaugurial Sailing will remain in the Caribbean, and then will move to some fabulous European destinations before returning to the Caribbean for the remainder of 2026.
From the Maiden Voyage on November 18, 2025 through April 26, 2026, when the Celebrity Xcel makes its transatlantic voyage, the homeport will remain at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. During this time, the itineraries will rotate from a 7-Night Bahamas, Mexico, and Cayman itinerary with a 7-Night Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten itinerary.
The first itinerary, the 7-Night Bahamas, Mexico, and Cayman itinerary will visit three different phenomenal destinations and three fun-filled days at sea. The first stop on the itinerary is Bimini, Bahamas. While visiting Bimini, guests will find some of the freshest seafood options, pristine beaches, and great snorkeling and diving. Getting around is a breeze with a golf cart rental, but there are so many shore excursions that are available to book to experience the true beauty of Bimini.
The next destination on the itinerary is Cozumel, Mexico! Another amazing location to visit if you enjoy diving and snorkeling as the reef locations are wonderful! Colorful and flavorful cuisine right around the corner, Ancient Mayan ruins just a quick transfer away, and some of the most beautiful beaches located not far from the port make cruise ship destinations a dream.
The final location currently scheduled for this particular itinerary is Grand Cayman. Here the opportunities for exploring are endless. A Seven Mile Beach, Stingray Encounter, and even the options for Rum Tastings, or a visit to Crystal Caves.
The next itinerary, 7-Night Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten also has three days at sea.Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic offers some of the most amazing nature based destinations. The 27 Charcos de Damajuaga, is a mix of natural lagoons, swimming holes, and even waterfalls. Puerto Plata is also home of the famous Umbrella Street, where an entire street is covered with brightly colored umbrellas in Historic Puerto Plata.
Continuing through the itinerary, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas will be the next port of call. Charlotte Amalie is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands and offers aquamarine water with gorgeous beaches. With multiple beach day options, culinary tours, or even a Skyride to Paradise Point offers something for everyone.
A final stop at Philipsburg, St. Maarten will round off the perfect cruise vacation. This destination is split with half being owned by the French and the other half being owned by the Dutch. Philipsburg is another destination that holds something for everyone. Island tours, open air markets, and even yoga can be found on the Shore Excursion list.
When April 26, 2026 arrives, the ship will make its way from Fort Lauderdale on a 15-Night Transatlantic sailing towards Spain and Portugal. On the way, there will be eight days at sea but broken up with a port call in Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda and Ponta Delgada, Azores. The Celebrity Xcel is set to arrive in Lisbon, Portugal on Day 12 and then visit Cartagena, Spain and Palma De Mallorca, Spain before disembarking in Barcelona, Spain.
From there, the Celebrity Xcel will spend some time rotating through 7-Night, 8-Night, 10-Night, and 11-Night sailings before returning to the U.S.. The first sailing that will take place departing from Barcelona is a 11-Night Spain, Portugal, and Morocco cruise. With only four days at sea, the remaining six days are filled with port days at Seville, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; an overnight in Funchal, Portugal; Tangier, Morocco; and Palma de Mallorca, Spain before arriving back in Barcelona. There will also be an identical itinerary sailing at the end of September 2026.
A 10-Night sailing, also roundtrip from Barcelona, will have an itinerary for Italy, Spain, and French Riviera. Five of the six port calls are in Italy, who would not want that? Naples, Sicily, Rome, Portofino, Florence/Pisa, and Nice are all on the list to visit. With only three days at sea, there is plenty of time to explore the gorgeous ship. This itinerary will sail once in late-May 2026 and early October 2026.
Throughout the remainder of the Summer, there will be both 7-Night and 8-Night sailings to Greece, Malta, and Turkey along with 7-Nights to Italy, Spain, and French Riviera.
After the Summer, the Celebrity Xcel will return to the U.S. and move to the homebase of Miami, Florida. There will be ports of call at Cartengana, Spain; Malaga, Spain; Gibraltar, UK; Seville, Spain; Funchal, Portugal; and the Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda before arriving in Miami, Florida. For the remainder of the year, there will be 7-Night Bahamas, Mexico, and Cayman sailing; 6-Night Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman sailings; 7-Night St. Thomas and Antigua sailings; 8-Night Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao sailings, and 7-Night Puerto Plata and St. Maarten sailings.
2025 and 2026 hold so many available sailings whether you want to sail from the U.S. or from Spain. The new and stunning Celebrity Xcel is the perfect cruise to celebrate, create new memories, or just relax. Marvelous Mouse Travels is here to assist with our free planning services for your next Celebrity Cruise Line vacation, be sure to reach out today!
