Celebrity Xcel Overview

The Celebrity Xcel, set to launch in November 2025, is the latest addition to Celebrity Cruises' innovative Edge Class of ships. This state-of-the-art vessel is currently under construction at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in St-Nazaire, France. As the fifth ship in the Edge Class series, the Celebrity Xcel promises to build upon the successes of its predecessors, including the Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, and Celebrity Ascent.

With a capacity for 3,260 passengers at double occupancy, the Celebrity Xcel is designed to offer a blend of luxury, innovation, and exceptional guest experiences. The ship will be based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and will offer two alternating seven-night Caribbean itineraries, visiting destinations such as the Bahamas, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.

The ship's design includes many of the signature features that have made the Edge Class so popular. These include the unique Magic Carpet, a tangerine-colored, cantilevered platform that serves as both a restaurant and a tender space; the Rooftop Garden and Resort Deck, offering expansive outdoor spaces; and the Sunset Bar, a multilevel, multiterraced bar that redefines the ship's aft area.

In terms of accommodations, the Celebrity Xcel features 1,646 staterooms, including a range of options from single staterooms to luxurious suites. The ship also includes 28 special needs cabins, ensuring accessibility for all guests. The suites-only space, The Retreat, offers exclusive amenities for suite guests, while the SEA Thermal Suite and the adults-only Solarium provide serene spaces for relaxation.

Dining on the Celebrity Xcel is a highlight, with 32 dining options available. These include four main dining rooms – Normandie, Tuscan, Cosmopolitan, and Cyprus – each offering a unique ambiance and regionally inspired dishes. Specialty restaurants like Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud and casual dining venues ensure there is something for every palate. The ship also features 12 bars and lounges, including the Martini Bar and Eden Bar.

Entertainment and activities abound on the Celebrity Xcel. The ship features a state-of-the-art theatre, interactive shows, and multiuse entertainment spaces like Eden and The Club. The Spa and fitness facilities, along with the jogging track and pool deck, cater to both relaxation and active lifestyles. Young travelers can enjoy the Camp at Sea program, while adults can unwind in the various lounges and bars.

Ship Statistics and Capacity

The Celebrity Xcel, scheduled to launch in November 2025, is a significant addition to the Celebrity Cruises fleet. Here are some key statistics and capacity details of this new vessel.

Year Built and Registry

The Celebrity Xcel is year-built 2025 and is registered in Valletta, Malta. This registration underscores the ship's compliance with international maritime regulations and its readiness for global voyages.

Passenger and Crew Capacity

The ship has a passenger capacity of 3,260 at double occupancy, ensuring a vibrant and lively atmosphere onboard. Additionally, it is crewed by 1,400 staff members, providing a high level of service and attention to detail for all guests.

Gross Tonnage and Dimensions

The Celebrity Xcel boasts an impressive gross tonnage of 140,600 tons. In terms of dimensions, the ship measures 1,073 feet in length and has a beam of 128 feet. With an average speed of 22 knots, the ship is designed for efficient and comfortable travel to various destinations.

Accommodations and Staterooms

Types of Staterooms (Balcony, Oceanview, Inside)

The Celebrity Xcel offers a diverse range of staterooms to cater to various preferences and needs. Guests can choose from several categories, including Balcony Staterooms, Oceanview Staterooms, and Inside Staterooms.

Balcony Staterooms feature the innovative Edge Infinite Veranda, where the balcony is separated from the cabin by folding glass doors. This design creates a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing the overall living area.

Oceanview Staterooms provide stunning views of the sea, with some categories offering full-height windows. These staterooms are ideal for those who want to wake up to the sight of the ocean every morning.

Inside Staterooms are perfect for budget-conscious travelers or those who prefer to spend their time exploring the ship's many amenities rather than staying in their room. These staterooms are well-appointed with modern amenities, including king-sized luxury mattresses and interactive flat-screen TVs.

AquaClass SkySuites and Their Amenities

The AquaClass SkySuites on the Celebrity Xcel are designed to offer a luxurious and rejuvenating experience. These suites come with a range of exclusive amenities, including priority check-in, priority debarkation, and priority tender boarding. Guests also enjoy access to the SEA Thermal Suite and the adults-only Solarium, along with a personal spa concierge and complimentary daily in-suite espresso and cappuccino.

Suite-Only Facilities (The Retreat, Iconic Suite, Edge Villa)

For the ultimate in luxury, the Celebrity Xcel offers several suite-only facilities. The Retreat is an exclusive suite-only area that includes a private lounge, a dedicated restaurant, and reserved theatre seating on Evening Chic nights. The Iconic Suite and Edge Villa provide spacious living areas, private verandas, and access to all the amenities of The Retreat.

Wheelchair-Accessible and Connecting Cabins

The Celebrity Xcel also caters to guests with special needs by offering wheelchair-accessible cabins. These cabins are designed to ensure maximum comfort and accessibility, with features such as wider doorways and adapted bathrooms. Additionally, the ship has connecting cabins that are perfect for families or groups traveling together, providing a convenient and spacious living arrangement

Dining Options and Venues

Main Dining Rooms (MDRs) and Specialty Restaurants

The Celebrity Xcel boasts an impressive array of dining options, starting with its four main dining rooms (MDRs These include Cosmopolitan, Cyprus, Normandie, and Tuscan. Each MDR offers a unique ambiance and regionally inspired cuisine. For instance, Cosmopolitan serves new American cuisine, while Cyprus specializes in Mediterranean fare with a focus on Greek specialties. Normandie provides an elegant French dining experience, and Tuscan offers Italian-inspired dishes.

Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud and Other Fine Dining Options

For a truly luxurious dining experience, the Celebrity Xcel features Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud. This restaurant, a collaboration with the Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Boulud, offers a premium menu complemented by an extensive wine selection. The restaurant's intimate seating and designer lighting, created by Jouin Manku, enhance the dining experience

Cafes and Casual Dining Venues

For more casual and relaxed dining, the Celebrity Xcel offers several cafes and venues. Le Grand Bistro is a French patisserie and bistro that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. During the day, it offers pastries, sandwiches, and light bites, while in the evenings, it transforms into Le Petit Chef, a unique dining experience featuring 4K projections and animated 3D characters

Cafe Al Bacio is another popular spot, providing specialty coffees, gourmet sweets, and homemade Italian gelato. This cafe is open from 6:30 AM to midnight, making it a convenient option for guests at any time of day

Suite-Only Dining (Luminae)

Guests staying in suites have the exclusive privilege of dining at Luminae, a restaurant reserved for Retreat guests. The menu at Luminae is unique and features dishes such as Alaskan halibut, Maine lobster tagliatelle, and truffle risotto. This dining experience is designed to provide a high level of service and cuisine tailored specifically for suite guests

Theatre and Live Music Performances

The Celebrity Xcel offers a vibrant entertainment scene, with a strong focus on live performances. The ship's Theatre is a state-of-the-art venue where the lines between the audience and performers are blurred, creating an immersive experience. Here, guests can enjoy dazzling live shows, including musical productions, dance performances, and interactive entertainment. Additionally, live music is a staple throughout the ship, with various venues featuring bands, solo artists, and DJs to cater to different musical tastes.

Magic Carpet and Its Unique Features

The Magic Carpet is one of the most distinctive features of the Celebrity Xcel. This tangerine-colored, cantilevered platform is not only a visual marvel but also serves multiple purposes. It can function as a restaurant, a bar, or even a tender platform, depending on the ship's position and the time of day. The Magic Carpet ascends to different levels of the ship, offering breathtaking views and a unique dining or lounging experience at each stop.

Casino and Gaming Options

For those who enjoy gaming, the Celebrity Xcel features a fully equipped Casino. This casino offers a variety of games, including slot machines, blackjack, roulette, and poker. Whether you're a seasoned gambler or just looking for some fun, the casino provides an exciting and lively atmosphere. The casino is open during designated hours and offers a range of stakes to suit all players

Spa, Fitness Facilities, and Wellness Programs

The Celebrity Xcel is dedicated to providing a comprehensive wellness experience. The SEA Thermal Suite is a serene retreat offering various spa treatments, including heated stone chairs, aromatherapy steam rooms, and a saltwater bath. The ship also features a fully equipped Fitness Center with state-of-the-art equipment and personal trainers. For outdoor enthusiasts, there is a Jogging Track and other recreational facilities to keep you active and healthy

Public Spaces and Recreational Areas

Rooftop Garden and Expanded Outdoor Spaces

The Celebrity Xcel boasts an expansive and enhanced Rooftop Garden, a signature feature of the Edge Class ships. This outdoor space has been expanded to offer even more shaded seating areas, larger infinity pools, and a bigger Rooftop Grill Bar. The design changes include an extension over the side of the ship, providing breathtaking ocean vistas and a serene atmosphere for relaxation and dining.

Pool Deck, Infinity Pools, and Hot Tubs

The Pool Deck on the Celebrity Xcel is a vibrant and inviting area, designed to offer a range of recreational activities and relaxation options. The deck features infinity pools that seem to blend seamlessly into the ocean, creating a dramatic and picturesque setting. Additionally, there are several hot tubs strategically placed to provide the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the sun or stars

Walking-Jogging Track and Other Recreational Facilities

For those who enjoy staying active, the Celebrity Xcel features a walking-jogging track that wraps around the ship, offering stunning ocean views while you exercise. This track is part of a broader range of recreational facilities, including fitness classes, a well-equipped gym, and various sports activities to keep you engaged and healthy during your cruise

Bars and Lounges (Sunset Bar, Martini Bar, Eden Bar)

The Celebrity Xcel is home to several unique and inviting bars and lounges. The Sunset Bar is a standout, with its multi-level and multi-terraced design, providing the perfect spot to watch the sunset with a refreshing cocktail. The Martini Bar is another popular venue, known for its elegant atmosphere and skilled bartenders who can craft a wide range of martinis. The Eden Bar, located within the Eden venue, offers a sophisticated space with live music and a variety of drinks, including craft cocktails

Technology and Convenience Features

Friction-Less Arrival and Check-In Process

The Celebrity Xcel is designed to make your arrival and check-in process as seamless as possible. The ship features a friction-less arrival system that minimizes wait times and streamlines the boarding process. This innovative approach ensures that you can start your cruise experience quickly and efficiently, allowing you to enjoy the ship's amenities from the moment you step onboard.

Virtual Concierge App and In-Cabin Controls

The Celebrity Xcel leverages technology to enhance guest convenience through its Virtual Concierge App. This app allows you to manage various aspects of your cruise from your smartphone, including booking dinner reservations, ordering drinks, requesting room service, and accessing other onboard services. Additionally, the app integrates with in-cabin controls, enabling you to adjust lighting, temperature, and entertainment systems within your stateroom with ease.

Digital Mapping and Navigation Services

To help you navigate the ship and its many amenities, the Celebrity Xcel offers digital mapping and navigation services. These services are integrated into the Virtual Concierge App, providing you with real-time maps and directions to various onboard venues, dining options, and recreational facilities. This ensures that you can find your way around the ship effortlessly and make the most of your time onboard.

Itineraries and Destinations

Initial Sailing Destinations (Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands)

The Celebrity Xcel is set to embark on its inaugural voyages in November 2025, offering a series of exciting itineraries. The initial sailing destinations include the Bahamas, Mexico, and the Cayman Islands. The Maiden Voyage, scheduled for November 18, 2025, is a 5-night Eastern Caribbean cruise that departs from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and visits Resorts World Bimini and Cozumel, Mexico.

Future Cruise Destinations (Europe, Asia, Australia, etc.)

Beyond its initial sailings, the Celebrity Xcel will venture to a diverse range of global destinations. Future itineraries include cruises to Europe, Asia, Australia, and other regions. The ship will also visit destinations in Bermuda, Canada, New England, and South America, offering a wide array of cultural, historical, and natural experiences

Conclusion: Embarking on a New Era with the Celebrity Xcel

The Celebrity Xcel, set to launch in November 2025, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of luxury cruising. As the fifth and final ship in Celebrity Cruises' innovative Edge Class, the Xcel combines the best features of its predecessors with entirely new and exciting experiences. From its expansive outdoor spaces and luxurious dining venues to its cutting-edge technology and exclusive suite-only facilities, the Celebrity Xcel is poised to redefine the cruise experience.

The Xcel's itineraries, which include initial sailings to the Bahamas, Mexico, and the Cayman Islands, followed by future cruises to Europe, Asia, Australia, and beyond, promise a diverse range of cultural and natural experiences. The ship's design enhancements, such as the expanded Rooftop Garden and the multi-level Sunset Bar, ensure that every moment onboard is filled with beauty and tranquility.

With its blend of modern amenities, stunning design, and exceptional service, the Celebrity Xcel is ready to welcome you aboard and take you on a journey that will exceed your every expectation. 🚢✨