MIAMI — The highly anticipated Celebrity Xcel has officially made its debut in Fort Lauderdale. As the fifth vessel in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series, this ship introduces seven exceptional new experiences designed to elevate the vacation journey for its passengers.
The development of Celebrity Xcel was fueled by real travelers’ insights through the Celebrity Xcel is packed with innovative features that enhance the cruising experience: This dynamic space transforms daily, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the local culture through food, activities, and live music. It brilliantly combines onboard and in-port experiences. By day, this rooftop restaurant offers lively brunches, while at night, it transforms into a chef-led dining experience, making it a perfect spot for culinary enthusiasts. This exciting new area offers all-day and all-night experiences, featuring enhanced private cabanas, poolside services like chilled towels, and even activities such as card games and sunscreen provision. A vibrant adult gaming lounge that remains open 24/7, Attic features classic games such as Pac-Man and NBA Showtime, alongside pool, darts, and shuffleboard for endless entertainment. Described as ‘part museum, part interactive retail experience,’ this unique store offers limited-edition products and engaging displays that highlight the cruise line’s history. The Spa on Celebrity Xcel is the most expansive yet, boasting Celebrity’s first-ever Hydra Room and an outdoor Vitamin D Deck for sunshine lovers. Relaxation here is more than a service; it’s an experience. Expect a more vibrant offering from the entertainment department with three new shows at The Theatre, two interactive productions at The Club, and numerous immersive dance parties. Celebrity Xcel will embark on its inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale, featuring seven-night itineraries that include stops in The Bahamas, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. Looking ahead, summer 2026 will see Celebrity Xcel move to Europe with exciting seven to eleven-night journeys departing from Barcelona and Athens, highlighted by new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal. Travel enthusiasts can get a firsthand glimpse of Celebrity Xcel as Travelweek’s Annie Cicvaric will be exploring the ship this weekend. Stay tuned for more updates on Travelweek Daily and various social media channels! Exciting New Features Onboard Celebrity Xcel
1. The Bazaar: A Culinary Adventure
2. Bora: Mediterranean Dining
3. Celebrity Pool Club: Ultimate Relaxation
4. Attic at The Club: Gaming Galore
5. Celebrity Flagship Store
6. State-of-the-Art Spa
7. Diverse Entertainment
Inaugural Season and Future Cruises
With a background in B2B marketing and tourism partnerships, Nova Ray writes for Travel News Today with a focus on the intersections between airline strategy, hotel development, and destination branding. She covers how tour operators, tourism boards, and airlines collaborate to grow share in the Canadian market. Whether reporting on new Havana routes or Caribbean resort launches, Nova Ray delivers industry-first insight shaped by real experience inside the travel trade.
