Celebrity Xcel is Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship — and she’s stunning from bow to stern.
With the addition of Celebrity’s next Edge Class ship, the cruise line has 15 ships in operation, sailing globally from Australia to Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean.
Celebrity Cruises invited me on a short 2-night sailing to check out everything the new Celebrity Xcel cruise ship has to offer.
In just a few short hours, I fell in love with the ship’s sleek design, thoughtful amenities, and exclusive experiences. Like her name implies, Celebrity Xcel excels in every detail.
Editor’s note: Although Celebrity Cruises paid for this sailing, all opinions are my own.
Celebrity Xcel fast facts
Celebrity Xcel measures 141,420 gross tons, 1,073 feet long, and has a maximum passenger capacity of nearly 4,000.
Onboard, there are 1,646 cabins, comprised of 198 suites, 163 AquaClass staterooms, 299 Concierge cabins, 664 verandas and infinite verandas, 153 ocean-view rooms, and 169 inside cabins.
The ship boasts 32 culinary offerings, including 14 cafés, bars, and lounges; 8 specialty restaurants, 4 distinct dining rooms; 4 complimentary casual venues; and 2 suite-exclusive restaurants.
Other amenities include a state-of-the-art casino, multiple pools, unparalleled entertainment, the line's largest spa at sea, and more.
Grand Plaza
This Grand Plaza is the heart of every Celebrity Edge Class ship, from Celebrity Edge to Celebrity Xcel.
The three-deck atrium is complete with a dazzling chandelier and the cruise line’s famous Martini Bar.
Whether you’re in the mood to sip on a handcrafted cocktail, listen to live music, or partake in fun activities like the ship’s popular Silent Disco, the vibrant hub brings guests together day and night.
From the Grand Plaza, it’s easy to explore the many spots that line the surrounding decks
Deck 3 is home to the Martini Bar, Guest Relations, the Concierge Lounge, and two of the ship’s complimentary dining rooms: Normandie and Tuscany.
One deck above, you’ll find Café al Bacio, Celebrity Xcel’s specialty coffee shop. The casual venue also serves light snacks, such as cookies, pastries, and sandwiches.
Nearby are two specialty restaurants: Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud and Le Grand Bistro. I had the chance to try Le Voyage on a previous sailing aboard Celebrity Ascent and was blown away by the attentive service and expertly crafted dishes.
The meal isn’t cheap, coming in at around $125 per person, but it’s worth it for foodies looking to celebrate a special occasion on Celebrity Xcel.
Also on Deck 4 are the retail stores, casino, Future Cruise desk, The Club, the bottom level of the Theater, and Cyprus and Cosmopolitan restaurants, which are included in everyone’s cruise fare.
Moving up, Deck 5 is where the World Class Bar is located. The upscale bar is known for its high-quality cocktails, crafted by skilled mixologists in a stylish setting.
Around the corner is the Fine Cut Steakhouse, a must-visit for steak lovers who want to enjoy aged cuts of meat, indulgent sides, and an extensive wine list.
On the other side of the hall is Raw on 5, Celebrity’s sushi restaurant that features fresh sushi rolls, sashimi, and creative Japanese favorites.
Finally, Celebrity’s brand-new flagship store is steps from the top floor of the Grand Plaza. The store offers a curated selection of merchandise like spirit jerseys, coffee mugs, hats, and more.
In short, whether you want a bite to enjoy, a spot to enjoy panoramic views, or browse merchandise, the Grand Plaza has something to offer everyone.
The Bazaar
Let’s jump into some of the venues and experiences that make Celebrity Xcel stand out from her counterparts, starting with the Bazaar on Deck 5.
The Bazaar is Celebrity Xcel’s vibrant marketplace that blends shopping, dining, and entertainment.
The brand-new venue encourages discovery and connection, with the cruise line bringing the culture, flavors, sights, and sounds of the itinerary on board the ship.
At the Mosaic Restaurant, for example, chefs put their spin on the destination’s signature dishes, delivering local flavors to your table at sea. And yes, the menu changes based on the port!
Market at the Bazaar means you don’t have to worry about carving precious time ashore for souvenirs — Celebrity will bring the best local must-haves onboard.
Not only that, but Market at the Bazaar also showcases the work of skilled artisans from the destinations the ship visits.
Finally, there will be a unique line-up of parties that celebrate the culture and traditions of the itinerary’s destinations.
The Bazaar on Celebrity Xcel replaced Eden, the signature multi-level venue found on previous Edge Class ships.
Attic at The Club
Although The Club isn’t a new venue, the upstairs has been transformed into Attic at The Club, which is brought to life with its retro-inspired design, complete with neon lights and bold patterns.
The new space, open 24/7, features everything from pool tables to darts and classic arcade games.
Passengers can also book a private space in the Attic for group activities like karaoke and golf simulation games.
Celebrity Pool Club
Celebrity’s resort-style pool deck received a major upgrade on Celebrity Xcel. The refreshed space features more shade, personalized service, and entertainment than ever before.
For example, the Pool Valet offers services like chilled towels and sunscreen, ensuring guests can kick back and relax without any worries.
Cabanas are also available for those who want an even more elevated experience, with dedicated service, elevated drinks and snacks, and the best seat on the pool deck.
Don’t worry, though — the resort deck is still home to a signature statue. On Celebrity Xcel, it’s a monkey holding an infant, while on Celebrity Ascent, it’s a large octopus.
Along with the monkey, you can’t miss the bright orange Magic Carpet. The multi-purpose venue serves as a tender launch point and bar.
This revolutionary platform first debuted on Celebrity Edge and quickly became an Edge Class staple.
The cantilevered design allows the Magic Carpet to move up and down the ship’s exterior, providing panoramic views at different levels.
Adjacent to the Celebrity Pool Club is the adults-only Solarium — AKA one of my favorite spots onboard!
This relaxing indoor spot is only available to passengers 16+ and features a private pool, hot tubs, and plush loungers.
One change that I quickly noticed is that Celebrity removed the Spa Café from the Solarium. On other ships, this grab-and-go venue served up light bites including turkey wraps, sesame udon noodles, and fresh fruit.
On Celebrity Xcel, however, the Spa Café was removed to make way for the expanded salon and spa.
Celebrity’s largest spa at sea
According to Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Xcel’s spa offers more ways to unwind than ever before, with more than 120 treatments.
New amenities include the Hydra Room, a therapeutic H2O experience within the SEA Thermal Suite, expanded salon space, and the addition of a Vitamin D Deck.
The Vitamin D deck is exclusive to Thermal Suite guests and offers sweeping views from the front of the ship. The new space also includes complimentary non-alcoholic beverages.
In total, the Thermal Suite on Celebrity Xcel now offers eight distinct relaxation areas, including saunas, steam rooms, and hydrotherapy spaces.
Bora
Bora is a brand-new al fresco Mediterranean restaurant exclusively on Celebrity Xcel. Located on Deck 15, this specialty venue is more than a meal — it is a sensory journey.
The experience begins with a welcome celebration in the Rooftop Garden, an open-air space surrounded by lush greenery and two small pools, which is complete with cocktails and live music.
Brunch guests can enjoy a Bloody Mary bar and dishes like French toast with orange zest, figs, and pistachios.
At night, Bora transforms into an upscale restaurant with complimentary spritzers, tableside preparation, and hand-selected regional wines.
Steps away from Bora is Celebrity’s iconic Sunset Bar. This spot offers the best wake views and a signature drink menu.
Dining on Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity Xcel is home to over 30 distinct food and beverage experiences, from casual spots to specialty restaurants. Here’s a rundown of a few of the complimentary options.
There are four Main Dining Rooms on the ship — Normandie, Tuscany, Cosmopolitan, and Cyprus — each with a unique design and signature dishes inspired by different regions around the world.
All meals in the dining rooms are included, from low-key breakfasts to multi-course dinners.
Moving on, Celebrity’s Oceanview Café on Deck 14 is more akin to a stylish food hall than a traditional buffet.
Not only that, but the buffet offers a wide variety of stations featuring global flavors and made-to-order dishes.
Guests can enjoy everything from seafood saganaki to ceviche, stir fry, chicken paella, and decadent desserts, all served in a chic setting.
Also on Deck 14 is the Mast Grill. This casual poolside eatery serves up classics like burgers, hot dogs, and French fries.
It’s perfect for a quick bite while enjoying the Celebrity Pool Club and taking in ocean views.
Spice, down on Deck 5, is a new casual dining concept that’s located within the Bazaar. It replaced the Eden Cafe and, instead, offers a rotating selection of destination-inspired bites.
Guests staying in AquaClass cabins or The Retreat can also enjoy Blu or Luminae at no extra charge.
Celebrity Xcel cabins
Celebrity Xcel has over 1,600 staterooms, ranging from windowless inside cabins to 2,500-square-foot suites.
During my sailing, I stayed in a Sunset Veranda Stateroom, which offered a spacious layout, modern décor, and a private balcony with wake views.
Having previously sailed on an Edge Class ship, I knew that even if Celebrity had assigned us to an inside cabin, it would feel leagues above other cabins in the industry — and Celebrity Xcel didn’t disappoint.
My cabin featured thoughtful touches like an abundance of charging options, ample storage, ambient lighting, and a luxurious bathroom.
Although Celebrity’s Edge Class is known for its controversial infinite verandas, it was nice to experience a more traditional balcony cabin, with sliding doors and real sea breezes.
