On Location: “Total wow”: Trevello’s Caroline Hay gets first look at Celebrity Xcel in France

When Celebrity Cruises names a ship “Xcel,” you know they’re planning to outdo themselves.

And judging from Caroline Hay’s exclusive sneak peek at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, this week, the fifth Edge-Class ship isn’t just levelling up—it’s rewriting the playbook on what a cruise vacation can be.

Hay, vice president of cruise at Trevello Travel Group, was one of just seven travel partners invited to throw on a hard hat for the August 25–27 tour, joined by a smattering of media, content creators, and Celebrity’s executive team, including President Laura Hodges Bethge and the ship’s, Kyriakos “Kirk” Matragkas (widely known as "Captain Kirk").

“The first night we were hosted at a lovely restaurant on the beach,” Hay told PAX, messaging us from France.  “Once we arrived at the port, we were greeted by the ship’s officers and had a short presentation from Celebrity’s president and Captain Kirk. Then we were split into three groups and led through the ship from top to bottom. We saw public spaces, suites, infinity balcony staterooms, even a behind-the-scenes look at a galley. As part of the ‘crew for a day,’ we were invited to sign the ship—I love that the ship now has a little piece of me forever!”

(Almost) ready for her close up

Despite her debut still months away—Celebrity Xcel will launch this November from Fort Lauderdale, sailing seven-night itineraries through the Bahamas, Mexico, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Cayman Islands, and Puerto Plata—the ship is already looking camera-ready.

READ MORE: Brazilian Chef Janaína Torres named godmother of Celebrity Xcel

“She’ll be doing her sea trials soon, with Celebrity taking delivery in late October,” Hay explained. “The ship is further along than I thought. Beds are in, slot machines are in, the chandelier is hung (though still under wraps). They’re working on the fine details that will bring her to the level of perfection Celebrity is known for.”

Familiar…but elevated

For fans of Celebrity’s Edge-Class ships, Xcel will feel like coming home—but with a noticeable glow-up.

“Xcel feels familiar, but you can instantly tell it’s elevated,” Hay said. “Celebrity could have easily repeated the same build and still been successful, but instead they’ve pushed forward. It’s modern, built with the guest in mind.”

And those guests are in for some serious surprises. Of the seven new experiences on board, six were revealed on the tour—including the Celebrity Pool Club, The Bazaar, Bora, the Celebrity Flagship store, The Attic, and the spa. (The seventh? Still a closely guarded secret.)

Big showstoppers

If Hay had to pick favourites, two spaces stole the spotlight.

“The Rooftop Garden, home to Bora, has been completely reimagined,” she said. “By day, it’ll host boozy brunches with an over-the-top Bloody Mary cart. By night, it transforms into a Mediterranean restaurant, a direct response to guest feedback.”

The Bazaar, a brand-new, multi-level space that replaces Eden, is also “total wow,” Hay said.

“From the moment you walk through the tunnels, it’s a full sensory experience with dancers, restaurants, interactive stations, and cultural themes tied to the ship’s destinations. It’s going to be the bustling hub of activity,” she said. “Today’s traveller is looking for immersive experiences and I think that The Bazaar is going to offer just that.”

READ MORE: From pool club to retro arcade: Celebrity unveils new spaces for Celebrity Xcel

The Attic, meanwhile, promises adult-only fun with arcade games under neon lights, board games, a golf simulator, TVs, and a cocktail-in-hand vibe.

Over at the Pool Club, private cabanas and pool concierge service promise to turn sea days into the “Poolest Day Ever,” while The Spa will feature Celebrity’s first-ever Hydra Room plus a new outdoor Vitamin D Deck.

Even retail is getting a glow-up: the Celebrity Flagship Store will be part boutique, part museum, part bragging rights central.

READ MORE: “Captain Kirk” takes command of Celebrity Xcel

Perhaps the most impressive part? The ship itself was shaped by real traveller feedback.

“Celebrity told us that with their Dream Maker program, over 40 per cent of feedback came from people new to the brand,” Hay said. “They’re building this ship with guests, not just for them. I don’t think that’s been done to this scale before.”

A win for advisors—and travellers

For travel advisors, Xcel offers a sweet spot: familiar enough to sell easily, but fresh enough to keep repeat guests curious.

“Advisors know how to sell the Edge class, and repeat guests know what to expect,” Hay said. “But Celebrity has raised the bar so clients can come back and discover something new while being in a place of familiarity.”

As for travellers?

“I believe anyone looking for a premium vacation will suit the Xcel,” she said. “With so many new culinary spaces, activities, entertainment, wellness areas, and quiet nooks, the ship really does have something for a wide range of travellers.”

READ MORE: “Unlike anything at sea”: Celebrity announces new concept, “The Bazaar,” for Xcel

And culinary lovers take note: food is a big focus on Xcel, said Hay.

For example: There’s an open kitchen concept, called Mosaic, in the Bazaar, which also offers a Chef’s Table experience. It will serve reimagined and elevated dishes, inspired by the regions Celebrity Xcel is sailing.

The recent naming of Celebrity Xcel’s godmother, Brazilian Chef Janaína Torres, named “Best Female Chef in the World” last year by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, also ties into the ship’s foodie focus.

And for those looking to turn voyages into group bookings?

“Have a look at the new spaces and see if you can theme a group around a sailing,” Hay suggested. “Celebrity’s GroupX program is packed with value. I’d encourage everyone to reach out their Celebrity BDM to chat about opportunities in their market.”

“Advisors who are intentional about selling Celebrity and building their cruise business will see great success with Xcel.”

After her inaugural Caribbean season, Celebrity Xcel will then move to Europe for summer 2026, offering seven-to 11-night voyages out of Barcelona and Athens, including new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.