On Location: “We did it again” – Celebrity Xcel makes dazzling debut in FL, PAX unpacks 7 new spaces

Celebrity Cruises is Xcel-erating vacations at sea.

The company’s newest Edge-class ship, Celebrity Xcel, was christened on Sunday (Nov. 16) at Florida’s Port Everglades in a vibrant, sunset-lit ceremony that set the tone for the brand’s next evolution.

The honour of godmother went to Chef Janaina Torres, who was named the World's Best Female Chef 2024 by World's 50 Best Restaurants.

With the crowd gathered and a champagne button at the ready, Torres delivered the traditional blessing—“I name this ship Celebrity Xcel. May God bless her and all who sail on her”—before releasing a bottle that shattered perfectly against the hull (presented on video screens), sending cheers across the pool deck.

Celebrity selected Torres for her innovation in Brazilian cuisine and her commitment to authenticity and excellence—values that closely reflect the brand’s own culinary philosophy.

The evening’s program, hosted by the ship’s charismatic joint cruise directors, unfolded against a Fort Lauderdale sunset, beginning with an energetic pool-deck performance by Xcel’s resident entertainers.

The St. Andrews Pipe Band of Miami followed with a rousing set that ushered guests into a preview of Tomorrowland, one of Xcel’s new signature theatre productions.

Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge took the stage, offering heartfelt thanks to employees, partners and guests before delivering a fitting tribute to the line’s newest star: “To this beautiful vessel, Celebrity Xcel—may your guests forever be inspired by your beauty, your warmth, and the wonder that began with the Greek dream and continues today, taking what Celebrity is known for to an entirely new level.”

A bold reimagining

PAX is aboard Celebrity Xcel through Tuesday (Nov. 18) on a two-night naming voyage alongside Celebrity and Royal Caribbean Group executives, media, influencers, travel advisors, and leaders from agencies and host agencies across North America – including nearly 70 attendees from Canada.

Celebrity Xcel becomes the fifth Edge-class ship—it has 1,646 staterooms, including 198 suites, 163 AquaClass staterooms, and 299 Concierge Class cabins, with the majority featuring balconies.

It features many signature venues from previous Edge Series ships, like The Magic Carpet, The Retreat (a luxurious ship-within-a-ship concept) Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud, The Sunset Bar and The Grand Plaza (known for its massive LED-light chandelier and Martini Bar with flair bartenders).

There are 15 restaurants (including four main dining rooms and exclusive options like Luminae and Blu for specific guests), and 12 bars and loungers.

But Xcel is also a bold reimagining of the class, showcasing seven major new venues and features, including three new restaurants and a completely re-envisioned multi-use aft space.

“We are insatiable for wanting to introduce new products to our guests,” Laura Hodges Bethge told reporters at a press conference yesterday morning. “Also, guests evolve over time and preferences change.”

Replacing the Rooftop Garden Grill, Bora brings a Mediterranean seaside sensibility to the top deck, complete with a fresh-fish counter on ice.

By day, it’s a boozy brunch heaven, serving Mediterranean classics, and a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar that unapologetically claims to be the best at sea.

By night? Expect shareable dishes, tableside preparations, Greek ballads, and Italian love songs create a warm, intimate dinner atmosphere worthy of lingering. If you’re looking for the ultimate date spot, it’s here.

Eden, meanwhile, has been reimagined into The Bazaar, a dynamic, three-story space venue that evolves throughout the day and reflects the destinations visited.

On regular seven-night cruises, it features a rotation of themed festivals—Carnival, Aqua, Viva, and Flora—each capturing the essence of the destinations on the itinerary.

“It’s really meant to blur the line between ship and shore, to bring the destination on board,” Hodges Bethge said.

The Bazaar starts in a tunnel with interchanging graphics and scents that are customized to each festival.

Once inside, the daily programming shifts to match the theme, offering live music, costumes, and hands-on crafts. The Carnival festival, in particular, delivers a colourful atmosphere with coordinated scents, lighting, and music.

The Bazaar is designed to celebrate Celebrity’s destinations, which is a key passion point for guests, Hodges Bethge said.

“They want to feel the authenticity, make memories and have stories to tell,” she said.

The Bazaar is also intended to expand onboard activities. Citing guest feedback, Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group (Celebrity’s parent company), noted that at certain times of the day, there were limited options for things to do on board.

Now: “You can be as active as you want to be, be as entertained as you want to be, and enjoy incredible culinary as much as you like,” he said.

Two new restaurants anchor The Bazaar: Mosaic, refined, culinary-forward dining, featuring an open-kitchen design, presenting dishes inspired by the destinations the ship explores.

This venue will also host a Chef’s Table experience, where members of the line’s global culinary team create courses reflecting their home cuisines, each complemented by a wine pairing.

There’s also Spice, offering globally inspired cuisine tied to the ship’s region of sail.

Also new is Attic at The Club. Open 24/7, this is a neon-soaked, adults-only playground featuring TV screens showing sports game and retro arcade hits—Pac-Man, Golden Tee, NBA Showtime—plus pool, darts, foosball, and shuffleboard.

Think 1980s arcade nostalgia meets chic cruise-night energy.

At the Celebrity Pool Club, guests now enjoy a brand-new valet service offering chilled towels, sunscreen, card games, and secure storage. Upgrades include expanded shade options and enhanced VIP cabanas with dedicated service. A sculpture of a monkey holding an infant is a must-do Instagram spot. 

The first-ever Celebrity Flagship boutique introduces interactive screens, trivia, brand history, and customizable merchandise only available on Celebrity Xcel. It’s part museum, part retail playground.

For spa lovers, Xcel debuts the brand’s first Hydra Room, a water-focused wellness suite within the Thermal Suite’s collection of eight therapeutic experiences.

The new Vitamin D Deck also offers forward-facing ocean views, breezy outdoor seating, and complimentary non-alcoholic refreshments. Previously, this deck was limited to sun chairs. Now with cozy couches and inviting daybeds, it’s the perfect spot to relax and linger for a while.

Access to these amenities is provided to Aqua Class guests, as well as to passengers who buy a Thermal Suite pass.

This pass offers entry to the thermal suite, which features a range of facilities such as a steam room, sauna, heated loungers, and a salt room.

New shows

Xcel launches Celebrity’s most expansive entertainment lineup yet with three new theatre productions, two interactive shows at The Club, dance parties, expanded live-music offerings

And surprise pop-up performances throughout the ship

One standout PAX experienced last night? “254 West” at The Club, where guests step into an ‘80s-themed nightclub experience, wrapped in glittery dance numbers to classic disco hits, like Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” and newer jams like Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club – aerialists and all.

The party then transforms into dance-till-you-drop afterparty – a highlight!

Celebrity Cruises’ Xcel Dream Makers program involved guests in finalizing the entertainment on board Celebrity Xcel. 

For The Theatre shows, Dream Makers chose a featured costume for “Chapters.” 

Oother entertainment decisions they’ve made include deciding the first headline performer in the Theatre, picking the programming themes for Xcel’s “Saddle Up Saloon” dance party and “Viva” festival in The Bazaar, plus choosing props for the “Shine the Night” party and more.

Perhaps the ship’s most talked-about secret on Celebrity Xcel is what’s known as “IYKYK” – "If You Know, You Know – a speakeasy tucked behind a functioning photo booth in The Club.

Here, guests scan their cruise card, pose for photos, and—if space allows—are transported via a faux elevator set into a 1920s lounge glowing with amber lights, hostesses in flapper-era attire, and Prohibition-style cocktails.

Inside, phones are sealed away in provided pouches, keeping the atmosphere unplugged, intimate, and delightfully mysterious.

Sales tips from the top

Some sales tips for travel advisors from Celebrity’s president?

“Talk about what’s new,” Hodges Bethge told PAX at the press conference. “Our seven new products and experiences and the ability to take the destination with you.”

She recommends advisors to prioritize authenticity. In The Bazaar, for example, the dancers and crew are from the Caribbean, and when the ship is in port, local artisans come on board to showcase and sell their handcrafted goods.

“The opportunity we’re presenting in The Bazaar is exceptionally special,” she said.

Another tip? Promote Celebrity’s “elevated hospitality,” Hodges Bethge added.

“We call it The Celebrity Way – it’s the way we take care of guests and each other. Our job is to go above and beyond in the way we make you feel,” she said, noting how the crew “brings the ship to life.”

PAX can attest to the warm, friendly service on board, where crew members elevate every interaction—personally escorting guests to their destinations rather than simply giving directions, offering welcoming smiles in the hallways, and sharing genuine enthusiasm when introducing new menu items or onboard activities.

“We’re super proud”

“We did it again,” said Allan Brooks, national director sales, Canada, at Celebrity Cruises, speaking to PAX at a reception that was held for Canadian attendees at the ship’s Martini Bar last night. “The new elements on Celebrity Xcel are innovative and game changing for the industry…we’re super proud.”

Brenda Lynne Yeomans, strategic sales and market manager for Canada, noted the “surprise and delight moments” guests will find all throughout the ship.

“You really have to explore and visit all the venues. And be inquisitive. You’ll find so many unique spaces on board,” she said.

Celebrity Xcel begins her inaugural season sailing from Fort Lauderdale, featuring seven-night getaways to The Bahamas, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.

In summer 2026, Xcel makes her European debut with seven- to 11-night Mediterranean voyages departing from Barcelona and Athens, highlighted by new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.

Stay tuned for more of PAX’s coverage from Celebrity Xcel, including feedback from some of Canada’s leading travel professionals!

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