Celebrity Xcel Reviewed by Jade, Digital Marketing Manager
Celebrity Xcel launched in November 2025, and I’ve recently returned from her inaugural sailing. She’s Celebrity Cruises’ fifth Edge-class ship, currently sailing the Caribbean before settling in the Mediterranean in 2026. Although I say this every time I step onto a new ship, this really is my new favourite, and it’s one I’ll be booking for my next holiday. Here’s why…
First Impressions of Celebrity Xcel
Step aside, luxury liners, there’s a new ship at sea. Although Celebrity Cruises isn’t technically classed as a luxury line and doesn’t come with the eye-watering price tags some five-star ships charge, Celebrity Xcel must be one of the nicest ships I’ve ever sailed on. She feels more like a destination than a vessel with beautifully designed spaces that stand out from the crowd.
Whoever designed her needs an award. Everything from wow-factor features like the giant monkey sculpture by the pool to tiny coconuts carved with the Celebrity Cruises logo has been carefully thought out.
Watch a video of the ships areas here.
Some of my favourite areas included:
The Atrium
One of the first spaces you walk into when boarding Xcel, and it really sets the tone. The Atrium is the beating heart of the ship, crowned with a chandelier and surrounded by open levels stretching above you. At its core sits the Martini Bar and rightly so.
It’s the perfect place to relax with a coffee, join daytime activities or gather in the evening for a buzzing yet surprisingly intimate atmosphere.
Infinite Veranda Stateroom
This was my first time staying in this type of cabin, and I loved it. The room was spacious with lots of storage. Usually, I run out, but I even had shelves to spare, which is a good sign. It was modern, comfy and full of sleek areas to chill, get ready, eat and sleep.
Amenities included shampoo, conditioner, body wash, a hairdryer, shower cap, face wipe, body lotion, plus USB ports and both European and US plug sockets. It makes packing lighter so much easier.
The highlight was the Infinite Veranda, a make-your-own balcony. One button drops the window halfway, and the sliding doors pull back to create a balcony space. It makes the room feel bigger and gives you the choice of an ocean view or a balcony, depending on the weather.
Watch a tour of the Infinite Veranda Stateroom here
New to Celebrity Xcel – The Bazaar
Blurring the lines between ship and shore, The Bazaar is its own immersive world that changes with each destination. It’s a full sensory experience with virtual reality, regionally inspired food, pop-up entertainment, artisan markets that smell incredible and hands-on crafts.
While we were onboard, everything was themed for the Caribbean. Think carnival-style performances, screens shifting between sea-life scenes and island beaches, which gave Little Mermaid vibes and stalls selling candles and lovely smellies from the islands. If you miss something on land, you’ll probably find it here.
New to Celebrity Xcel – Bora
Although I didn’t get to try Bora myself, it looked amazing. This new outdoor dining concept replaces the Rooftop Garden Grill on other Edge-class ships. It reminded me of a Greek taverna with blue tiles, ceiling fans and Mediterranean dishes served from brunch through to dinner. Expect napkin swinging and a lively, relaxed atmosphere.
Just beyond it sits the Sunset Bar and terrace, which looks straight out of the Amalfi Coast with yellow flowers, umbrellas and dreamy loungers. Sunsets hit differently here.
Magic Carpet
A classic Edge-class feature and still one of the coolest at sea. Hanging off the edge of the ship, the Magic Carpet glides between decks and helps tender guests ashore. At night, it transforms into a bar and restaurant, a quiet hideaway with sea views so close you could almost touch them.
The Retreat
If you’re after something extra special, treat yourself to The Retreat, which is a ship within a ship exclusively for suite guests. Think plush red loungers, a private pool with swings, a dedicated restaurant and lounge and elevated service all round. Extras include priority boarding, a butler and reserved theatre seating. It’s ideal for milestone trips like honeymoons or big birthdays.
Entertainment that Xcel’s
Cruise lines all have their thing, and on Celebrity Xcel, the entertainment stole the show. The main theatre felt more like the O2 than a ship theatre, and the performances were Broadway calibre, and all included in your fare. When you think what theatre tickets cost at home, it’s incredible value.
Entertainment isn’t limited to the stage. We had table-side card magic, candlelit-style concerts and endless pop-up performances. But the highlight was the Martini Bar and not just the Snowflake Martinis.
Kadek, a bartender and Celebrity Cruises favourite, has worked with the line for 18 years and specialises in flaring. He juggled three bottles while balancing a martini glass on his forehead, tossed ice cubes into the air and caught them in a shaker on his head, all while making incredible cocktails with the biggest smile. It felt unique and nothing like I’d experienced before.
Watch Kadek flaring here.
An Adult’s Playground
While Celebrity Xcel isn’t adults-only, as someone who cruises with my partner and friends, it felt like the ultimate grown-up playground. Think beach-club vibes around the pool, a dreamy spa with loads of thermal experiences, cocktail bars, sports bars and sunset bars that reminded me of Santorini.
My favourite was The Attic, a space that rivals places like Roxy Ball Room or Lane7 back home. Darts, a golf simulator, a photobooth (this is a MUST), karaoke bar. You’ll lose hours in here.
Banquet Over Buffet
The speciality restaurants weren’t open during the inaugural sailing as the chefs were preparing for the first official guests two days later, giving me another reason to book a holiday on Xcel. But the Oceanview Café buffet was something else.
It didn’t even look like a buffet. More like an eat-as-much-as-you-want banquet. Stations for every cuisine you can think of. A dedicated cheese section. Full carvery. Seafood with prawn towers. Caesar salad tossed in a Parmesan wheel. A bakery with patterned breads. A dessert station with a chocolate fountain. Fresh oven pizzas. Everything was fresh and full of flavour, not the stodgy buffet stereotype.
People were genuinely choosing to dine there in the evenings. It was that good.
We also tried Spice inside The Bazaar. Here you can order speciality coffees and light meals. The menus reflect what’s big on land right now, like matcha coffees and build-your-own açai bowls. Exactly what you need after a night of cocktails. Balance and all that.
Ready to set sail with Celebrity Xcel?
I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed if you book a holiday on Celebrity Xcel. You can browse our Xcel-lent cruise deals here with flights and a free hotel stay for the perfect 2-in-1 getaway.
If you have any questions, I’d love to help.
Drop me a message at jade.mcassey@cruisenation.com
