Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship, Xcel, has sailed into port with a clear mission that separates it from the crowded cruise market, and its updates are hard to ignore. Instead of adding bigger attractions, the ship invests in experiences shaped by calm dining rooms, thoughtful suites and more varied options for foodies. Restorative spaces are also part of its core features, positioning Xcel as a rival to mega ships and tourist-packed vessels.
Bloody mary cocktails at Bora. Photo credit: Celebrity Cruises.
Instead of the big, busy features most cruise ships promote, Celebrity Xcel bets on comfort that appeals to adults seeking a slower style of travel. With spaces built for socialization and downtime, the ship encourages guests to settle in at bars, restaurants, lounges and game areas without watching the clock.
Elevated dining approach
Celebrity Xcel expands the brand’s already exceptional food and drink program. It leans on well-known culinary names to shape dining that feels more ambitious than what passengers usually expect at sea. Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud brings meals tied to destinations that influence the chef’s work, giving guests a taste of global flavors with a French touch through a fine-dining lens.
Mosaic continues that theme with plates inspired by the ship’s ports, giving travelers a way to taste regional cooking without leaving their table. Also in the new Bazaar, Spice, the more casual eatery, offers a quicker stop where travelers build bowls loaded with seasoning and fresh toppings.
Raw on 5 brings a bar led by chef Yoshikazu Okada, known for traditional sushi made from quality seafood and often praised for having some of the best sushi at sea. Don’t forget about Bora, the Mediterranean al fresco eatery where fully-loaded Bloody Mary cocktails are the perfect brunch starter.
Suites built for escape
For travelers who want a more exclusive stay, Celebrity Xcel offers The Retreat, a suite enclave with its own restaurant, lounge, pool and sun deck. The Retreat Lounge is a private spot with complimentary drinks and snacks, offering travelers a place to relax without searching for empty seats.
Service supports the concept with butlers, chat assistance and a specialist who helps plan shore visits. Cabins extend the idea of retreat through Infinite Veranda layouts that open the entire room to the sea instead of separating it behind a standard balcony door. Solo travelers have access to a similar setup through single staterooms built with the same indoor-outdoor design.
Modern wellness at sea
Wellness on Celebrity Xcel centers on a spa layout that encourages slow breaks. The SEA Thermal Suite acts as the main hub of the space, with several zones that let guests rotate through water therapy, heat rooms and quiet areas without rushing from one treatment to the next.
Guests find a brighter fitness space in a gym lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, so workouts take place with open sea views rather than a closed setup. Technogym equipment supports strength and cardio training, and class offerings include F45 sessions, Peloton cycling, Ryde, HIIT and cardio boxing. The spa menu goes beyond standard massages with treatments aimed at muscle recovery, skin care and pain relief, giving wellness a more practical purpose onboard.
Adult-leaning atmosphere
Celebrity Xcel leans toward a calmer setting that appeals to adults who prefer relaxed spaces over activity-heavy zones. The Solarium stands out as a quiet, adults-only area with a heated pool, and its art wall uses layered shapes to gently mimic ocean movement and color without turning the space into a loud design statement.
Bars and lounges keep the mood steady with craft cocktails and easy hangouts rather than family-focused activities. It favors travelers who appreciate comfort and style, giving adults more places to relax without competing with kid-centered entertainment. Kids are still certainly welcome, and the ship boasts a lively children’s program and dedicated spaces.
Discreet onboard speakeasy
Celebrity Xcel adds an under-the-radar bar that passengers stumble upon rather than spot on a schedule. The venue, called IYKYK, or If You Know You Know, keeps its profile low. It gives a hidden quality that fits the ship’s interest in quieter, more grown-up nightlife. It works as a small reward for guests who explore the ship and want a drink in a space that feels exclusive and mysterious.
Always-open activity zones
Celebrity Xcel builds an entertainment zone through three connected spaces that stay active from early hours to late at night. Guests move between these rooms to shoot pool, play darts or jump into classic arcade matchups under bright lights that keep the energy steady.
The setup also includes virtual sports such as golf, baseball and soccer, giving passengers more ways to join in. Karaoke sessions and movie nights round out the mix and create a steady rotation of activities that stay busy throughout the day.
Festivals on board
The Bazaar sets Celebrity Xcel apart by turning a central area of the ship into a rotating cultural space tied to each region on the itinerary. Local goods, food and artisan demos give travelers a taste of European and Caribbean life without leaving the deck. Market stalls shift with upcoming ports, adding regional products and skills-based activities that connect directly to the trip.
Festival programming builds on that idea. Italian themes bring live music and fresh bites, Spanish nights focus on shared plates and guitar sets and Caribbean events draw from Carnival traditions. They create a venue that changes throughout the voyage and adds movement to the onboard experience.
A new kind of cruise
New ships often rely on spectacle, but Xcel wagers that guests will value atmosphere over flash. Its approach weaves dining, suites and entertainment into one style of travel that rewards curiosity and slower choices. That makes the ship feel designed for wandering instead of waiting in line for one hyped venue. Whether travelers embrace that quieter confidence will be the story to watch once the ship begins sailing.
Jennifer Allen is a retired chef turned traveler, cookbook author and nationally syndicated journalist; she’s also a co-founder of Food Drink Life, where she shares expert travel tips, cruise insights and luxury destination guides. A recognized cruise expert with a deep passion for high-end experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations, Jennifer explores the world with curiosity, depth and a storyteller’s perspective. Her articles are regularly featured on the Associated Press Wire, The Washington Post, Seattle Times, MSN and more.
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