Heidi BucoloWe’ve now sailed on all five Edge-class ships, and Celebrity Xcel has quickly become our favorite. From the moment we stepped aboard during our 2-day preview sailing, Celebrity Xcel shined. As the newest ship in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge class, Xcel takes everything we already loved about these ships and elevates it with exciting new spaces, dining venues, and entertainment options that sets her apart from her sister ships.
Whether you’ve sailed on Celebrity Edge, Apex, Beyond, or Ascent and are wondering what’s different, or you’re trying to decide which Edge-class ship to book, we’re breaking down all the Celebrity Xcel differences and what impressed us most.
What’s New on Celebrity Xcel
When comparing Celebrity Xcel vs. other Edge class ships, there are a few key differences. Perhaps the biggest transformation is The Bazaar which replaces Eden at the aft of decks 4, 5, and 6. This reimagined 3-deck space helps to create a stronger connection to the destinations visited, with exclusive food and drinks, a marketplace, activities, and a variety of entertainment.
Along with the Bazaar, Celebrity Xcel also debuts some brand-new restaurant concepts, including Bora, Mosaic, and Spice Cafe. These unique culinary options further elevate the dining experience with new offerings like a Bloody Mary Bar during brunch at Bora and destination-specific dishes on the menu at the specialty restaurant Mosaic and the casual eatery Spice.
The entertainment on Celebrity Xcel gets an upgrade too. There are three all-new productions in the theater, two new interactive shows in The Club, four new festivals in The Bazaar, and plenty of new games, parties, and experiences. Not to mention, there’s Attic at The Club with adult-oriented games like darts and pool AND there just might be a new speakeasy onboard too, IYKYK!
But the upgrades don’t stop there. Guests can expect elevated poolside experiences, an enhanced spa, and Celebrity Flagship where retail meets museum.
The Bazaar
The most dynamic new space on Celebrity Xcel, and our absolute favorite, is The Bazaar. This revolutionary venue evolves throughout the cruise with three fully immersive experiences on a typical 7-day sailing. Providing nonstop exploration even while onboard, The Bazaar “blurs the line between ship and shore” by inviting guests to get swept away in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the places they visit.
The centerpiece of The Bazaar is the rotating destination-inspired festivals. During Caribbean sailings, there’s Viva Festival (Cozumel), Flora Festival (Dominican Republic), Aqua Festival (sea day), and Carnival Festival (sea day). Each festival includes local food and beverages, crafting experiences, The Market for local shopping, pop-up entertainment throughout the day, nighttime performances, elaborate decor with great use of digital screens, and more.
Depending on the itinerary, guests can experiece either the Viva or Flora festival during the ship’s call into Cozumel or Dominican Republic, respectively. These festivals offer a more chill vibe with destination-inspired games and activities, local vendors in The Market, and unique dishes in Spice Cafe.
On sea days, The Bazaar comes alive with the all-day Aqua and Carnival Festivals. The Aqua Festival celebrates the oceans. Highlights include exclusive sips and snacks like the Aqua Blossom Cocktail and Mango Shrimp Salad. Activity carts include watercolor bookmarks, make-your-own salt scrub ($10), and make-your-own shell trinket dish ($10). The festival also features a unique show occurring at 4:30 and 10 PM.
Similarly, the Carnival Festival celebrates the Caribbean’s biggest party of the year with sips and snacks including a Calypso Cocktail, tropical bowls, and dulce de leche island brookies. Crafts include tropical origami, mini maracas ($10), and beach signs ($10), There’s a Carnival show at 4:30 and 10 PM as well.
When Celebrity Xcel repositions to the Mediterranean in Summer 2026, The Bazaar will completely transform to highlight Mediterranean festivals, markets, and culinary experiences.
When compared to Eden on other Edge-class ships, this space is next-level.
New Dining & Culinary Innovations
Celebrity Xcel introduces a few brand-new dining venues. Mosaic replaces Eden Restaurant as the specialty restaurant in The Bazaar. Featuring an open-kitchen concept, this venue serves dishes inspired by the regions the ship is sailing. Some highlights from the Caribbean menu include tuna ceviche, salanova salad, croquetas, jerk dumplings, corn ravioli, lobster casserole, spiced lamb lion, and banana fritters.
This elevated dining experience is $95 per person. We were able to test out the menu during our preview sailing, and while we enjoyed everything we sampled, we still prefer Le Voyage and Fine Cut Steakhouse over Mosaic.
Adjacent to Mosaic is the Chef’s Studio, Celebrity’s first-ever destination-inspired cooking school where guests can learn to prepare regional dishes.
Also in The Bazaar, Spice Cafe replaces Eden Café. This venue offers grab-and-go meals and bites inspired by the itinerary as well. As a complimentary cafe, we really enjoyed the new offerings in Spice Cafe. Guests can build their own bowls for breakfast and lunch or sample other rotating items like pineapple ginger turkey and a Carnival breakfast sandwich with guava jam.
Bora is the showstopper that replaces Rooftop Garden Grill. This al fresco dining venue features a Mediterranean seafood-centric menu, live music, and endless ocean views. It’s perfect for a lively brunch with bottomless Bloody Marys or an intimate dinner with complimentary spritzes and dishes prepared tableside. Guests can enjoy menu items like French toast or chicken & waffles “the Bora way” at brunch ($35 per person) and sea bream a la espalda, lobster medallions, and lamb tagine for dinner ($65 per person). While we didn’t get to dine here, some friends on the preview sailing said they enjoyed their meals at Bora.
Guests should also look for the Dream Makers symbol on other menus for exclusive new food and beverage options around the ship.
New Entertainment & Activities
Celebrity Xcel amps up the onboard entertainment as well with brand-new shows in the Theater, The Club, and The Bazaar. While we were only onboard for two days, we tried to experience as much of the new entertainment as we could. And we really enjoyed what we saw. Having just come off Princess Cruises’ new ship, Star Princess, Celebrity Xcel’s entertainment is certainly a step above.
This ship debuts three exclusive productions in the innovative theater. These shows pair Celebrity’s largest cast of singers, dancers, and aerial artists with interactive LED screens and cutting-edge technology for immersive experiences.
Mainstage is a live music concert that spans all genres and cultures. Between Takes transports guests to a 1920s Hollywood movie set to showcase what really happens between “cut” and “action”, and Chapters journeys through transformation and self-discovery with visually-stunning storytelling.
During our sailing, we watched Between Takes and Chapters. Both were good, but we personally enjoyed Chapters more. In our opinion, the production quality, transformational stage and set pieces, and digital imagery combined seamlessly for one of Celebrity Cruises’ best stage shows yet.
Additionally, The Club debuts two new interactive shows. HOTEL is a comedic murder mystery and 254 West transports guests to the 80s at the closing night for the “254 West” club. Not to mention, the second level of this space, Attic at the Club, is an adult-oriented game room with retro games like pac-man, along with pool, darts, and shuffleboard.
During our 2-day cruise, we saw 254 West. The talented singers performed hits spanning Bon Jovi, Whitney Houston, Madonna, and more, along with interludes from a violinist, guitarist, and aerial artists. With limited seating options, be sure to arrive early if you don’t want to stand for the entire interactive performance.
As previously mentioned, The Bazaar is another great entertainment space on Celebrity Xcel that features four unique festivals that truly transform the space, celebrating everything from the culture and traditions of Mexico and Dominican Republic to Caribbean carnivals and the sea.
If that’s not enough, guests can enjoy a variety of new games and game shows, new dance parties like the country music party Saddle Up Saloon in The Club, live music around the ship, and the popular Shine the Night party on the pool deck.
Elevated Celebrity Pool Club
While we’ve always thought the pool decks on Edge-class ships were upscale, Celebrity Xcel elevates the pool deck experience even further. The Celebrity Pool Club makes guests feel like they are relaxing at an exclusive beach club with sunbeds and pool valets offering chilled towels, sunscreen, and complimentary storage for personal items. The area also features private cabanas for rent and increased shaded spaces. Of course, you can’t miss taking photos with the iconic statue while monkeying around poolside either.
And now on all Caribbean sailings, one of the sea days becomes the Poolest Day Ever. This all-day party features live music, pop-up shows, games, and more. There’s even exclusive poolside drinks served only at this event.
The Spa Enhancements
Even the spa on Celebrity Xcel gets an upgrade. As the most expansive spa yet in the Celebrity Cruises’ fleet, it features the first Hydra Room. One of eight thermal suite experiences, this revitalizing space has a warm, bubbling pool with massaging jets and heated lounge chairs. Though, it’s still on the small side when compared to the hydrotherapy pools from other cruise lines like NCL.
Also new on Celebrity Xcel, guests can soak up some sunshine on the outdoor Vitamin D Deck, exclusive to thermal suite guests. The Vitamin D Deck offers panoramic views from the front of the ship, now making good use of this forward-facing outdoor space that was mostly overlooked on previous Edge-class vessels.
Thermal Suite pricing on Celebrity Xcel is $399 for a week-long pass or $119 for a day pass.
Additionally, the salon has been expanded and now features a new bubbles bar. Eliminating the Spa Cafe in the nearby Solarium, this space now has a small champagne bar for guests to enjoy during salon services. It makes for a great “girls’ day” experience.
IYKYK – An Exclusive New Space
Finally, guests will have to discover the most exclusive new space on Celebrity Xcel for themselves. This intimate speakeasy features a bar with signature cocktails like the Cotton Club, live jazz music, and a roaming magician.
Find the photo booth onboard, then step inside to travel back in time to 1920 for your hour-long experience. Currently, it’s complimentary, but no photos or videos are allowed!
Other Returning Favorites
Aside from all the new additions, there are several returning favorites on Celebrity Xcel. The ship features 32 total culinary offerings. Loyal guests will know and love the four returning main dining rooms: Cyprus, Normandie, Tuscan, and Cosmopolitan. There’s also eight specialty restaurants including some of our personal favorites like Fine Cut Steakhouse and Le Voyage.
Cafe al Bacio still serves up delicious treats and specialty espresso-based beverages throughout the day. The Grand Plaza and lively Martini Bar remain popular gathering spots for great drinks and conversation, and the Rooftop Garden remains a traquil outdoor space. The World Class Bar, Sunset Bar, and Craft Social all offer distinct vibes and signature drinks with newly refreshed menus.
Celebrity Xcel features a variety of accommodations as well. Just like the other Edge-class vessels, the ship offers staterooms ranging from interior and oceanview to the popular (or not so popular) infinite verandas. AquaClass rooms have access to the thermal suite and an exclusive restaurant, Blu. Suite guests in The Retreat receive a number of perks including a premium drink package, access to a private restaurant (Luminae), and an exclusive sundeck, among other perks.
Nothing Comes Close
While we already loved the upscale and modern design of previous Edge-class vessels, Celebrity Xcel perfects it. The ship takes the innovation that made Edge, Apex, Beyond, and Ascent so popular and refines it with thoughtful enhancements.
Our favorite onboard space, The Bazaar replaces Eden’s more abstract concept with something that feels vibrant, engaging, and connected to your cruise itinerary. Where Eden sometimes felt like a beautiful but underutilized space, The Bazaar pulses with energy and gives you reasons to return throughout the sailing.
The new dining venues like Bora, Mosaic, and Spice Cafe add variety and destination flavor. Combined with elevated entertainment, enhanced pool experiences, and thoughtful spa additions, Celebrity Xcel delivers a more immersive cruise vacation.
If you’ve sailed Edge-class ships before and loved them, you’ll likely find Celebrity Xcel familiar yet different (in a good way). If you’re choosing between Edge-class ships for your first sailing, Celebrity Xcel does just that– excels! It’s not just the newest, it’s now our personal favorite in the Celebrity fleet.
However, there is a downside. Celebrity Xcel does come with a premium price tag. When researching Caribbean sailings on Celebrity Xcel vs. Princess Cruises’ newest ship, Star Princess, rates range from 40% higher to almost double in price for comparable balcony stateroooms.
If we’ve convinced you to hop onboard Celebrity Xcel for your next cruise vacation, you can either sail the Caribbean or visit the Mediterranean. Celebrity Xcel is currently offering two roundtrip itineraries from Fort Lauderdale. The Eastern Caribbean itinerary visits Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten; and the Western Caribbean itinerary visits Bimini, Cozumel, and Grand Cayman. She will then sail the Mediterranean in Summer 2026 visiting iconic ports in Italy, Spain, France, Greece, and beyond. Then, she’ll return to Miami in Fall 2026 to resume Caribbean sailings.
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