As the fifth and final ship in the revolutionary Edge Series, Celebrity Xcel promises to elevate the cruising experience to unprecedented heights.
Sailing from Fort Lauderdale, this magnificent vessel combines the best features of its sister ships with entirely new experiences designed to change the game once again.
The ship represents a significant leap forward in cruise ship design, offering guests an intimate feel with the variety and excitement of larger vessels. With its innovative outward-facing design and visionary spaces, Celebrity Xcel will take Caribbean cruising to breathtaking new levels when it begins service in fall 2025.
Ship Specifications and Capacity
Celebrity Xcel is an impressive feat of maritime engineering, measuring 1,073 feet in length and boasting a gross tonnage of 140,600. Built at the renowned Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, the ship can accommodate 3,260 passengers at double occupancy, with a maximum capacity of 3,950 guests served by a dedicated crew of 1,400.
The vessel features 1,646 staterooms across 16 decks, with an remarkable 81% of accommodations offering balcony access. What sets Celebrity Xcel apart from its Edge-class predecessors is its enhanced size – the ship is 66 feet longer than Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex, with one additional deck and 179 more staterooms, representing approximately 12% more volume.
A groundbreaking feature of Celebrity Xcel is its methanol-ready propulsion system, making it the first ship built by the French shipyard to incorporate this environmentally conscious technology. The engines can operate on three fuel types: marine diesel oil, liquefied natural gas, and methanol, positioning the ship at the forefront of sustainable cruising.
Accommodations That Redefine Luxury
- Infinite Veranda Staterooms: These revolutionary cabins blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that transform into open-air verandas at the touch of a button
- AquaClass SkySuites: Wellness-inspired accommodations featuring goop-curated amenities, enhanced air filtration systems, yoga mats, and spa-inspired bathroom products with massaging showerheads
- The Retreat: An exclusive suite-class sanctuary offering private dining at Luminae restaurant, dedicated attendants, and access to an adults-only sundeck with pools and cabanas
- Enhanced Solo Staterooms: Celebrity Xcel doubles the number of single staterooms with Infinite Verandas, catering to the growing solo travel market
- Smart Room Technology: Advanced in-room automation allows guests to control lighting, temperature, curtains, and entertainment systems through smartphone apps or touchscreen panels
Revolutionary Dining Experiences
Celebrity Xcel elevates culinary excellence with an impressive array of 32 food and beverage venues, including 15 restaurants and 12 bars and lounges. The ship features four distinctive main dining rooms, each with signature dishes inspired by global cuisines and destinations visited during the voyage.
The introduction of Bora, a new al fresco rooftop restaurant, marks a significant addition to Celebrity's dining portfolio. This Mediterranean-inspired venue offers panoramic ocean views and transforms from a lively brunch destination by day to an intimate dinner setting by evening. The innovative Bazaar concept replaces the popular Eden venue found on other Edge-class ships, creating a dynamic three-story space that brings destination experiences directly onboard.
Signature Dining Venues
- Bora Restaurant: Features shakshuka eggs with coriander and sourdough toast for brunch, transitioning to seafood-forward dinners with tableside preparations including seared branzino and lamb tagine
- The Bazaar: A multi-level venue hosting three destination-inspired festivals per cruise, featuring local artisans, hands-on workshops, and authentic cultural experiences
- Mosaic: Upscale Caribbean cuisine restaurant offering elevated takes on traditional dishes, plus Chef's Table experiences featuring childhood favorites from the culinary team
- Magic Carpet Dining: The mobile platform serves as Raw on 5 extension, offering casual seafood with spectacular ocean views from various deck levels
- Chef's Studio: Interactive cooking classes teaching guests to prepare destination-inspired dishes like spiced banana rum cake from Jamaica
Entertainment and Activities That Wow
Celebrity Xcel boasts the most expansive entertainment program in the Celebrity fleet, featuring over 75 resident performers including singers, dancers, parkour artists, and specialty performers. The ship's theater productions incorporate cutting-edge technology with state-of-the-art kinetic lighting, lasers, and large LED screens designed to blur the lines between audience and performance.
The enhanced Celebrity Pool Club transforms the traditional poolside experience into an elevated retreat with valet service, chilled towels, secure storage, and curated activities. The concept of "The Poolest Day Ever" includes live Caribbean-inspired music, interactive games, and specialty cocktails, while evening entertainment features "Shine the Night" parties with DJ performances under the stars.
Unique Entertainment Features
- The Theatre: Three brand-new shows developed by creative talent from theater, film, and television, performed by Celebrity's largest theater cast to date
- The Club Complex: Houses two new interactive shows that "transport guests to another era," plus The Attic gaming lounge with neon-lit arcade games and pool tables
- Celebrity Pool Club: Redefines poolside relaxation with dedicated attendants, premium seating, and all-day entertainment programming
- Camp at Sea: Industry's only fully customizable kids program with over 500 activities that change based on young cruisers' interests
- Live Music Venues: Multiple locations featuring everything from piano bar sing-alongs to country music nights and candlelit concerts
The Magic Carpet: Engineering Marvel
One of Celebrity Xcel's most distinctive features is the Magic Carpet, a tennis court-sized cantilevered platform that moves vertically along 14 decks like a massive elevator. This glass-roofed, tangerine-colored structure serves multiple functions as it travels the starboard side of the ship, offering guests unique perspectives and experiences at each location.
The Magic Carpet can accommodate 90 guests and features comfortable seating, a full-service bar, and a stage for live musical performances. Its innovative design allows for stunning ocean views and creates an ever-changing venue that provides different experiences depending on its position on the ship.
Magic Carpet Transformations
- Deck 16 Position: Transforms into "Dinner on the Edge," an exclusive specialty restaurant offering al fresco dining under the stars with panoramic ocean views
- Deck 14 Extension: Functions as an expanded pool deck area with live music performances and enhanced social atmosphere during day hours
- Deck 5 Integration: Serves as an open-air extension of the main dining room, providing alfresco dining options with ocean breezes
- Deck 2 Operations: Acts as the Destination Gateway tender platform, facilitating luxurious shore transfers via Celebrity's signature Edge Launches
Wellness and Spa Amenities
Celebrity Xcel prioritizes guest wellness with an expanded spa complex featuring the enhanced SEA Thermal Suite, which offers eight distinctive therapeutic experiences inspired by nature. The spa facilities include a Solarium, Persian Garden, private treatment rooms, relaxation areas with floor-to-ceiling ocean views, and a comprehensive fitness center.
The ship introduces The Barber at The Spa, designed by Kelly Hoppen with warm tones and natural materials, offering traditional hot shaves and grooming services. Wellness programming extends throughout the ship with on-demand fitness and meditation content available in all staterooms, yoga mats in AquaClass accommodations, and enhanced air filtration systems fleet-wide.
Relaxation Spaces
- SEA Thermal Suite: Eight nature-inspired therapeutic experiences including aromatic steam rooms, therapeutic saunas, and mineral-infused pools
- Rooftop Garden: Expanded outdoor retreat with infinity pools, shaded loungers, and live entertainment under the open sky
- Sunset Bar: Multi-level venue offering panoramic ocean views, craft cocktails, and comfortable seating areas for watching spectacular sunsets
- Adults-Only Solarium: Peaceful glass-enclosed space with heated pools, comfortable lounging areas, and tranquil atmosphere
Itineraries and Destinations
Celebrity Xcel will debut with seven-night alternating Caribbean itineraries from Fort Lauderdale, visiting some of the region's most spectacular destinations. The ship will offer two distinct itineraries: one featuring the Bahamas, Mexico's Cozumel, and Grand Cayman, while the alternate route includes Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and St. Maarten.
In summer 2026, Celebrity Xcel will relocate to Europe for its inaugural Mediterranean season, offering seven to eleven-night journeys from Barcelona and Athens. These European itineraries will allow The Bazaar to transform its programming to feature Mediterranean-inspired festivals, markets, and culinary experiences reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
What Makes Celebrity Xcel Special
Celebrity Xcel distinguishes itself through several industry-first innovations and enhanced features. The introduction of The Bazaar concept represents a paradigm shift in cruise ship design, replacing traditional venues with dynamic, destination-focused spaces that change throughout each voyage. This three-story complex brings authentic local experiences onboard through festivals, artisan markets, and cultural programming.
The ship's environmental consciousness sets new standards with methanol-ready engines and enhanced sustainability features. Celebrity Xcel also incorporates guest feedback through the innovative Dream Makers program, allowing future passengers to influence menu selections, entertainment choices, and venue designs before the ship's debut.
The vessel represents the culmination of Celebrity's Edge Series evolution, combining proven successful elements with groundbreaking new concepts. From doubled solo accommodations to the largest entertainment cast in the fleet, every aspect of Celebrity Xcel has been designed to exceed guest expectations while maintaining the intimate, personalized service Celebrity Cruises is known for.
Ready to Experience Celebrity Xcel?
Celebrity Xcel represents the future of premium cruising, combining innovative design, exceptional dining, world-class entertainment, and unparalleled service in one remarkable vessel. Whether you're seeking Caribbean adventures or Mediterranean exploration, this extraordinary ship promises to deliver unforgettable experiences that will redefine your expectations of cruise travel. To book your voyage aboard Celebrity Xcel, visit CruiseDirect for competitive rates and availability.
