xcel into the sunset! 🌅 | 2.1-2.8 (celebrity xcel)

[asquared17]

i hesitated to start this because we have so many excellent blogs up and running right now, but we are indeed 30 days out so needs must and all that. 

 

well it's been too long since we've last sailed...  the best part about getting off the ship in our december sailing is knowing that we have less than 60 days to go until our next cruise. and it's coming up FAST!!

 

time to board the BRAND NEW CELEBRITY XCEL!!

 

itinerary

FLL > bimini, bahamas > at sea > cozumel > at sea > grand cayman >  at sea > FLL

 

we are excited to be going western caribbean!! we haven't been to cozumel since... oh gosh, our original trip onboard symph in 2023* that was my first post blog/liveblog because i was not sure if i could commit to the liveblog lifestyle.... AND HERE WE ARE. 

....i'm just laughing at the thought of me NOT being able to liveblog... who did i think i was fooling??? *i'm also cackling because that thread is only 2 pages long  we could NEVER do that now. 

ANYWAY. 

so we haven't been to cozumel is about three years (wow!) and we've never been to bimini before. i personally haven't been back to grand cayman since i went with my parents many moons ago and kissed a stingray.  i swear there is a picture of this somewhere. all my friends from oz (all two of them) are horrified by this. rip steve irwin. 

 

some general details

we originally were booked in the retreat in a magic carpet suite on the beyond sailing during this same week. around july all the noise about the propulsion issues kicked up in earnest and i started to wonder if we shouldn't just... try and get out of it.

we were also sailing out of port of miami and i... am not a POM fan (as you all know). i think if you are a local, it's a much better experience but i will do MANY things to get out of a POM sailing based on past experiences and drama with embark/disembark. especially since we fly in and out of FLL and not MIA, this is really a huge sticking point for us. (god help me if ascent ever homeports in POM. ...let's not borrow problems. )

i had a lot of concern because we had been impacted by issues on the oasis sailings where we arrived late back to port despite going full speed ahead. there is no longer any "full speed ahead" for beyond because she needs a new azipod (if i am remember my details correctly) and while they were able to do some repairs over the summer, it's more of like a temporary fix until she goes into drydock this november (2026) and can have a full repair. she sails fine for now at medium speeds but itineraries and port times were impacted and will continue to do so until she hits drydock. 

with the writing on the wall in mind, i started researching options to jump ship -- literally. 

 

there was an eclipse sailing that departed a day earlier and got back a day later but i wasn't psyched by the cabin categories for the pricing. further researching revealed there was also the xcel sailing, for the exact same dates... out of FLL. you already know where this is going.  

we downgraded from the retreat on beyond (with a somewhat lackluster itinerary) to an aqua class on xcel with no regrets.

because i am a psycho, i kept watching cabins and pricing and ghost booking wherever possible and even though the fare was significantly less despite being a brand new ship, when a rare sunset veranda opened up, i LEAPT on that sucker. we will have a proper balcony for the first time!!

lastly, because i also booked this trip through a different TA than our typical one so despite a lot of back and forth, they couldn't waive the switch fee (we escalated to the top) -- on the plus side, our gratuities are paid. so, there's that. 

 

other interesting things to note

• because we are in a SV, we do not have access to my beloved blu. we will be dining in the standard four MDRs with the rest of gen pop  so i hope to get a good gauge on things for you there. 
• xcel is an edge class ship but she has had many updates from her previous four iterations; most notably/impactful for me -- the spa cafe inside the solarium is no more -- i will have to venture to new places to find my breakfast in the morning. it will also be cool to get some new ship pics and see what they've done to update the layout. i pray our seats remain on the sundeck. 
• thought i had a water package that i'd need to cancel but it turns out i accidentally cancelled my water for our silhouette sailing in may (WHOOPS) so i'll be stocking up at publix. 
• also i can't believe i'm saying this but i will probably pack a bottle of champagne to bring aboard since we can FINALLY have a proper sailaway on our verandah!!!! (lets hope it gets consumed this time instead of just sitting nicely on the vanity for a week straight like last time. 

 

lastly -- i have a HUGE work conference monday through friday (1.26-1.30) and we fly out on 1.31 that saturday morning EARLY -- so i will be out of pocket most of that time. because of this, i am 90% packed for the trip. yes. you read that correctly. you already know my two trunks are at the ready. 

 

given that this is a new ship and semi new itinerary, to us -- and probably to you -- feel free to ask questions and i'll do my best to dig up the answers! 

[OCSC Mike]

46 minutes ago, asquared17 said:

well it's been too long since we've last sailed

#spoiled  #lucky  #jealous  #8monthdrydock

[SweetPea]

I love Cozumel! But .... only the east side of the island! 

[asquared17]

so the wifi for this cruise has been… exorbitant. 

we lucked out with our fare, given that it is a desirable itinerary, rare cabin category, and brand new ship; so i try to build that in when it comes to my expectations and price tier. 

my elite+ (diamond plus match) gives me 240 free minutes — which MUST BE USED before signing into your internet package — or 35% off a package. 

basic wifi (because yes, celebrity still has this??) is $14.99 per day and premium is $20.99 per day. 

J has considered that she may very well just go without it because she hates how expensive it is this time around and her discount is only 30% off.

considering we will have zero other expenses — no specialty dining, no gratuities as they are already paid, and i plan to use the elite happy hour to stock up on small water, beer for the sun deck, and rosè for dinner — this is not an egregious as it could be. 

again, it’s a brand new shop and they are getting NO extras out of us. dynamic pricing is dynamic. 

my plan is to hotspot my kindle when we are in port as long as there is a t mobile coverage to sync my books, and just deal with the rest. having two devices was great for the last cruise but i was not about to pay $39 per day for TWO DEVICES. dear lord. 

my parents kindly got me a gift card before our ascent sailing, so i was planning to put that toward the package. i’d read online that you have to have your TA convert it to OBC to use. 

so i gamely got i touch with our TA (again not our usual one) and made some inquiries. after much back and forth, she informed me it was only meant for a future fare and could not be converted. 

this seemed…. wrong. 

but i didn’t push. 

instead i logged into the cruise planner myself and went to checkout where i saw the box for a celebrity gift card. 

….obviously, it worked just fine. 

but that was a weird glitch in the matrix that had me almost phoning a friend — aka the blog fam — to be like…. heLP?!!!

in the proverbial words of taylor alison swift, “all’s well that ends well (to end up with you)” and i now have internet for the voyage. 

what a time to be alive. 

[asquared17]

1 hour ago, OCSC Mike said:

2 hours ago, asquared17 said:

well it's been too long since we've last sailed

#spoiled  #lucky  #jealous  #8monthdrydock

LISTEN. this is us after may, come summertime. it’s months until december. at least i have the beach to keep me sane though august. 

1 hour ago, SweetPea said:

I love Cozumel! But .... only the east side of the island! 

now i’m afraid to ask about the west side

[SMOKEY0202]

So ready for this blog on the new ship.  I like SV on Celebrity.  You can't beat the views.   Nothing like a cocktail and snacks on the balcony everyday and still be sun sloth.

Can't believe trunks are already packed.  Any new purchases for this sailing?

What are plans in port?  Seems like eternity for you doing Western Caribbean itineary.  

 

 

[lovetheplaya]

2 hours ago, asquared17 said:

instead i logged into the cruise planner myself and went to checkout where i saw the box for a celebrity gift card. 

….obviously, it worked just fine. 

 I thought you were going to say you wouldn't be liveblogging and I thought you should be monetizing on your cup clip endeavors (to pay for these things! lol) 

 

also...this different TA seems... new?? 

[SweetPea]

On 1/2/2026 at 2:42 PM, asquared17 said:

now i’m afraid to ask about the west side

Eh, the west side is the developed side where the cruise ships dock. 

The east side is glorious. There is no electricity and it's underdeveloped.  We either get a taxi to that side and head to the bars which are all on the beach or we do the Cozumel Bar Hop which is way fun. 

https://cozumelbarhop.com/

 

They mention Senior Frogs  but that is only the meeting point!

 

And you don't need to be a huge drinker.  They all have good food and the picture spots are all great. We took Batman's dad for his 80th birthday.

[asquared17]

stingray city; circa 2014

WHAT A THROWBACK!!!!

[asquared17]

58 minutes ago, SMOKEY0202 said:

Can't believe trunks are already packed.  Any new purchases for this sailing?

some new and some repeats; still waiting to finalize a dinner outfit or two. we got this cool gadget to regulate temperature in the cabin but i neglected to bring a battery last time so it didn’t work  

i also got new towel clips that i am excited to show off!!!

59 minutes ago, SMOKEY0202 said:

What are plans in port?  Seems like eternity for you doing Western Caribbean itineary.  

we will def go ashore in cozumel so i can visit the pharmacy. 

bimini depends on how it looks when we arrive. 

grand cayman i fear we will tender and i am not into a tender ride. so we will see!!! 

i am so happy we get to go western; its been an age since we have!!

57 minutes ago, lovetheplaya said:

 I thought you were going to say you wouldn't be liveblogging and I thought you should be monetizing on your cup clip endeavors (to pay for these things! lol) 

i’m too millennial to be without it internet for too long also i burn through 2-4 books a day so i need wifi just to keep refilling my kindle unlimited library

58 minutes ago, lovetheplaya said:

also...this different TA seems... new??

…yeah. i don’t think they’re new so much as we have zero relationship with them and we are very small fish in a big pond. in their defense we went from a sizeable retreat category to one that was more than half the fare. so i can’t imagine they’re making a lot of money off us. it’ll be a one and done for us, especially given how difficult communication was at times. 

37 minutes ago, SweetPea said:

The east side is glorious. There is no electricity and it's underdeveloped.

but is there…. indoor plumbing?!?!?!???? my gosh this sounds like we have wildly different ideas of a good time

 

[SweetPea]

14 minutes ago, asquared17 said:

but is there…. indoor plumbing?!?!?!????

Yes! Plumbing is fine!

 

They refrigerate via coolers, no blenders, no electronic payments though so all cash!

[SMOKEY0202]

I have done that bar hop in Cozumel and just like Sweetpea says it's fun and enjoyable where you don't have to be a slush of drinker.

Being i was just in Cozumel, prices have increased even at pharmacy.  

Can you imagine creating that same photo now in Grand Cayman with stingray.  It still is tender there but have to say it was quick process.  

 

[InmyElement]

YES!!!! onboard for another one with our X...

I'll catch up once were settled on the ship...moving day!!! 

[Ampurp85]

I guess this will be the true test of your new love for X.

Eating in the MDR and not having access to a dedicated spot while you sun-sloth, could truly change your perception. 

I am looking forward to following along as we eventually will be sailing with you in 2027 

[OCSC Mike]

46 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

Eating in the MDR and not having access to a dedicated spot while you sun-sloth, could truly change your perception.

I like these experiments... kinda like the rare occasion when @Lovetocruise2002 is forced to eat in genpop. I was very proud of how she handled it on whatever ship it was where she actually braved the WJ a year or so ago. 

[GatorCruiser]

We just did stingray city a few days back. It was mehhh. Took up the entire we were in port, so we had no time to explore port area, which was a bummer. Zero chance I’d do it again if we ever get back to cayman. 

[Lovetocruise2002]

@asquared17 I am excited to follow along on this one. As you know already, I debated between this ship and Beyond for our first proper Retreat experience. We did Reflection in the retreat, but many said that was not a true one. I don't know any better. Anyhow, we picked Beyond, but if it goes well, Xcel is on my radar. 

[Lovetocruise2002]

4 hours ago, OCSC Mike said:

I like these experiments... kinda like the rare occasion when @Lovetocruise2002 is forced to eat in genpop. I was very proud of how she handled it on whatever ship it was where she actually braved the WJ a year or so ago. 

I can sort of handle WJ if I am on a ship that does not have CK, and if it's a port heavy itinerary. We sail Serenade to Alaska this coming July. I am prepared to eat in the MDR and WJ lol

[OCSC Mike]

9 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

I can sort of handle WJ if I am on a ship that does not have CK, and if it's a port heavy itinerary. We sail Serenade to Alaska this coming July. I am prepared to eat in the MDR and WJ lol

I know it's saved for port intensive, non-caribbean cruises and I applaud your flexibility. That said, it's still entertaining to read about. 

I've mentioned this before but I didn't care what ship we sailed in Alaska, especially after 10 days on land pre-cruise. I have tons of pictures and memories of Alaska itself but barely remember Radiance.

[Lovetocruise2002]

3 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

I've mentioned this before but I didn't care what ship we sailed in Alaska, especially after 10 days on land pre-cruise. I have tons of pictures and memories of Alaska itself but barely remember Radiance.

That's how I feel about Brilliance. We sailed 12 nights on her back in 2005. It was a very port heavy Med itinerary with overnight in Venice. I barely remember the ship. 

[Jamesszy94]

Looking forward to your Xcel blog!

So... any chance you'll be looking to book Xcite too when she comes out?! 

 

[asquared17]

22 hours ago, SMOKEY0202 said:

Being i was just in Cozumel, prices have increased even at pharmacy.  

ugh don’t tell me this … but actually this is good to know. 

22 hours ago, SMOKEY0202 said:

Can you imagine creating that same photo now in Grand Cayman with stingray.

i definitely had less fear back then and would not put J through the potential horrors of me getting injured in the cayman seas. lest we forget, i am still the girl who sliced her foot on a beer bottle under water in st. maarten.

9 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

I guess this will be the true test of your new love for X.

Eating in the MDR and not having access to a dedicated spot while you sun-sloth, could truly change your perception. 

oh it sure could!!!! but i think we will be okay J and i will scope out the seats situation on boarding day for sure.  i still argue the MDR setup on edge class ships is far superior to a standard MDR setup. 

9 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

I am looking forward to following along as we eventually will be sailing with you in 2027 

ITS GONNA BE GREAT!!! and i think @InmyElement is coming too? or maybe that’s the one he scrapped

8 hours ago, OCSC Mike said:

I like these experiments... kinda like the rare occasion when @Lovetocruise2002 is forced to eat in genpop. 

genpop on celebrity vs genpop on oasis class and beyond is VASTLY different though. it will be a true test but i think we’ll do just fine. time will tell!!! 

6 hours ago, GatorCruiser said:

We just did stingray city a few days back. It was mehhh. Took up the entire we were in port, so we had no time to explore port area, which was a bummer. Zero chance I’d do it again if we ever get back to cayman. 

i do remember it being a full excursion absorbing all the time in port; not interested in losing the view of GC from the ship for that long of a duration nor am i eager to lose a quiet day on the sundeck, so we will likely stay aboard this day. funny enough, one of the girls i used to work with at a local boutique has relocated to cayman and is a realtor now — i should maybe see if she’ll be around

4 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

@asquared17 I am excited to follow along on this one. As you know already, I debated between this ship and Beyond for our first proper Retreat experience. We did Reflection in the retreat, but many said that was not a true one. I don't know any better. Anyhow, we picked Beyond, but if it goes well, Xcel is on my radar. 

i think you’ll be quite pleased with beyond, especially since you’re on her post-drydock. i think she is a little more reserved/stately, while i think xcel is more of a party time. but we will see!!

also the retreat experience is elevated on beyond and ascent due to their sundeck and retreat lounge arrangement BUT there are some real celebrity fans who HATE edge class and would instead swear by the former arrangement as it is currently on reflection, etc. more spread out but less “modern,” is the way i’ve been given to understand based on everything i’ve read. 

edge/apex are a skotch smaller than beyond/ascent and have a slightly different sundeck layout (is it two levels instead three, maybe?)

4 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

We sail Serenade to Alaska this coming July. I am prepared to eat in the MDR and WJ lol

to date, i am pretty sure one of the best MDR experiences we consistently ever had was on serenade. the crew and food were excellent at the time. it’s a sweet spot for pax count, i think. and all the glass throughout the ship is beautiful. 

3 hours ago, Jamesszy94 said:

Looking forward to your Xcel blog!

So... any chance you'll be looking to book Xcite too when she comes out?! 

shoot we’re booked out til 2028 so it is unlikely, especially dependent upon where she’s homeported. but you never know!! ascent truly is our favorite and we are fortunate to be locked in on her quite a few more times until our dance cards free up

[Southern Dan]

I haven’t eaten in the MDR since my “Return to Royal” my last two sailings and will continue to eat as much Indian food in the WJ as my stomach allows for Radiance next week and Freedom next month.

When I eventually get back on Celebrity I’ll probably do the MDR again though since everyone speaks so highly of it.

[ScottD]

How did I miss this!! I'm real X-cited (see what I did there) for this one. We still really want to try this ship, we even watched a few YouTube videos including a really thorough tour from Ben and David which REALLY made us want to check it out.  So I'll be following along intently and taking in all the info. 

[Ampurp85]

I too think the MDR on celebrity will be fine for you. 

Let me just say I never kiss animals, they are all filthy, especially the ones who live in the sea. So you were very brave to kiss that stingray. 

[asquared17]

4 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

Let me just say I never kiss animals, they are all filthy, especially the ones who live in the sea. So you were very brave to kiss that stingray. 

i think i’d rather take my chances with a creature of the sea given the saltwater natural cleansing capabilities rather than a land creature just the same

but i think my animal kissing days are behind me at this point

[asquared17]

10 minutes ago, ScottD said:

How did I miss this!! I'm real X-cited (see what I did there) for this one. We still really want to try this ship, we even watched a few YouTube videos including a really thorough tour from Ben and David which REALLY made us want to check it out.  So I'll be following along intently and taking in all the info. 

yayyyyyy!!! 

i will try to be a little more observant than my usual “cruise control” setting while on ascent to see what i can scope out for everyone

[OCSC Mike]

6 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

Let me just say I never kiss animals, they are all filthy

Should I re-post the pic of the monkey nibbling on my head in Roatan? I know they’re your fav!  

[Ampurp85]

My neighbor is a hoarder and she kisses strays in the mouth .  I guess to each their own. 

I just love how these blogs end up on random tangents. 

 

[asquared17]

4 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

I just love how these blogs end up on random tangents. 

it wouldn’t be one of ours, if it didn’t

[InmyElement]

10 hours ago, asquared17 said:

ITS GONNA BE GREAT!!! and i think @InmyElement is coming too? or maybe that’s the one he scrapped

Oh nooooo…we’re definitely in!!!  No way we’re missing that level of fun and shenanigans. We scrapped Jan 2026 for this Allure trip and kicked the X down the road to Feb 2027..decisions were made above my pay grade.. but it works out!!!

[asquared17]

2 hours ago, InmyElement said:

Oh nooooo…we’re definitely in!!!  No way we’re missing that level of fun and shenanigans. 

AMAZING!!! 

me, @Ampurp85 and @InmyElement!!! who else is coming along???

[Ampurp85]

1 hour ago, asquared17 said:

AMAZING!!! 

me, @Ampurp85 and @InmyElement!!! who else is coming along???

This is the April silhouette sailing right? I don't think I will have the time for the Feb ascent

[asquared17]

1 hour ago, Ampurp85 said:

This is the April silhouette sailing right? I don't think I will have the time for the Feb ascent

yes ma’am FLL to NJ

[Ampurp85]

28 minutes ago, asquared17 said:

yes ma’am FLL to NJ

 Whooo some cool kids on X like those other cool kids sailing Star for March spring break

[OCSC Mike]

7 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

those other cool kids sailing Star for March spring break

Surely you mean March 2027 when it's me and @Lovetocruise2002, not the guys going this March... and of course I'm using her cool kid factor to make up for the lack of my own. 

[WAAAYTOOO]

36 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

to make up for the lack of my own. 

SO not true…

[Jamesszy94]

16 hours ago, asquared17 said:

ugh don’t tell me this … but actually this is good to know. 

i definitely had less fear back then and would not put J through the potential horrors of me getting injured in the cayman seas. lest we forget, i am still the girl who sliced her foot on a beer bottle under water in st. maarten.

oh it sure could!!!! but i think we will be okay J and i will scope out the seats situation on boarding day for sure.  i still argue the MDR setup on edge class ships is far superior to a standard MDR setup. 

ITS GONNA BE GREAT!!! and i think @InmyElement is coming too? or maybe that’s the one he scrapped

genpop on celebrity vs genpop on oasis class and beyond is VASTLY different though. it will be a true test but i think we’ll do just fine. time will tell!!! 

i do remember it being a full excursion absorbing all the time in port; not interested in losing the view of GC from the ship for that long of a duration nor am i eager to lose a quiet day on the sundeck, so we will likely stay aboard this day. funny enough, one of the girls i used to work with at a local boutique has relocated to cayman and is a realtor now — i should maybe see if she’ll be around

i think you’ll be quite pleased with beyond, especially since you’re on her post-drydock. i think she is a little more reserved/stately, while i think xcel is more of a party time. but we will see!!

also the retreat experience is elevated on beyond and ascent due to their sundeck and retreat lounge arrangement BUT there are some real celebrity fans who HATE edge class and would instead swear by the former arrangement as it is currently on reflection, etc. more spread out but less “modern,” is the way i’ve been given to understand based on everything i’ve read. 

edge/apex are a skotch smaller than beyond/ascent and have a slightly different sundeck layout (is it two levels instead three, maybe?)

to date, i am pretty sure one of the best MDR experiences we consistently ever had was on serenade. the crew and food were excellent at the time. it’s a sweet spot for pax count, i think. and all the glass throughout the ship is beautiful. 

shoot we’re booked out til 2028 so it is unlikely, especially dependent upon where she’s homeported. but you never know!! ascent truly is our favorite and we are fortunate to be locked in on her quite a few more times until our dance cards free up

Xcite doesn't come out till 2028 But yes!! The Ascent and the Beyond look great. I'm trying the Edge later this month. I've done one other Celebrity sailing in the past and that was to Alaksa on one of the older Milennium ships. LOVED the food on Celebrity.

[GatorCruiser]

23 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

SO not true…

Yeah @OCSC Mike is as cool as the other side of the pillow 

[Ampurp85]

3 hours ago, OCSC Mike said:

Surely you mean March 2027 when it's me and @Lovetocruise2002, not the guys going this March... and of course I'm using her cool kid factor to make up for the lack of my own. 

I do, believe it or not, you belong to cool kids club