MIAMI — Celebrity Xcel has arrived in Fort Lauderdale, the fifth ship in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series and with seven brand new experiences for passengers.

Celebrity Xcel was created with the help of vacationers globally through the Xcel Dream Makers program, where participants played a key role in finalizing many elements of the vacation experience – from culinary through to entertainment.

“With each new ship, we raise the bar for the ultimate vacation experience – and Celebrity Xcel stands in a class of her own,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group.

Laura Hodges Bethge, President, Celebrity Cruises, added: “Celebrity Xcel was thoughtfully designed with our guests in mind to be the happy place of vacationers globally. From the seven new spaces guests will experience, to the innovative Xcel Dream Makers program, where our guests played a direct role in shaping the ship’s features, Celebrity Xcel lives up to her name in every way.”

Here’s a look at what’s new and special onboard Celebrity Xcel …

• Each day, The Bazaar space will transform, introducing new ways for guests to immerse themselves in the itinerary’s destinations. The Bazaar blends guests’ onboard and in-port experiences through food, activities and live music.
• Bora will transport guests to the Mediterranean coast. The rooftop restaurant will transition from day to night, with upbeat, boozy brunches by day, and chef-led tableside dining preparations and dishes at night.
• The Celebrity Pool Club offers all-day, all-night poolside experiences. The new pool valet offering includes poolside chilled towels, card games, sunscreen and storage for personal items. There’s also a contemporary rooftop design for increased shading. Enhanced private cabanas come complete with dedicated service.
• Attic at The Club is an adult-oriented games lounge, an all-day, all-night vibrant games room glittered with neon lights and open 24/7. There’s Pac-Man, NBA Showtime, Golden Tee and much more, plus pool, darts, foosball and shuffleboard.
• Celebrity Cruises’ first-ever Celebrity Flagship store is described as ‘part museum, part interactive retail experience.’ Guests will find interactive screens with trivia questions and insider facts, historical artifacts and vintage collectibles. Celebrity Flagship will stock one-of-a-kind Celebrity products only available on Celebrity Xcel.
• The Spa on Celebrity Xcel is the cruise line’s most expansive spa yet, with Celebrity’s first-ever Hydra Room. Spa goers can also soak up their daily dose of sunshine at The Spa’s new outdoor Vitamin D Deck.
• The ship’s entertainment offering will offer more variety and more performers delivering endless entertainment options all day long, with three new shows in The Theatre, two new interactive shows in The Club, immersive new dance parties, new activities, live music and surprises throughout the day.

Celebrity Xcel’s inaugural (photo credit Evan Zimmerman)

Celebrity Xcel’s inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale offers seven-night itineraries alternating between The Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, and Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.

In summer 2026, Celebrity Xcel will set sail on its inaugural European season with seven-to 11-night journeys out of Barcelona and Athens, including all-new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.

Travelweek’s Annie Cicvaric will be checking out Celebrity Xcel for herself this weekend. Watch Travelweek Daily and our social media channels for more updates!

Spice Cafe, part of The Bazaar onboard Celebrity Xcel