Our First-Hand Experience - Celebrity Xcel

Introduction

Celebrity Xcel is the newest star in the Celebrity Cruises fleet – an evolution of the award-winning Edge-Series and a bold step forward in modern cruising. She feels familiar if you’ve sailed her sisters, but there’s a noticeable shift the moment you step onboard: a fresher energy, a sense of openness, and a smooth balance between sophistication and easy-going relaxation. Xcel is built for travellers who want more: more connection to the sea, more intuitive design, more meaningful moments, and more freedom to shape their days. Everything flows, everything feels thoughtful, and everything is centred around creating an elevated experience that is as effortless as it is unforgettable.

Facilities & Design

Celebrity Xcel’s design hits you the second you step on board. This is a ship made to feel like a boutique resort at sea rather than a traditional cruise vessel. The signature outward-facing layout of the Edge-Series has been amplified, giving you sweeping water views from nearly every corner. The spaces on Celebrity Xcel feel naturally bright, open, and easy to move through, with plenty of soft lines and greenery that give the ship a relaxed, coastal feel. The Resort Deck almost works like its own little neighbourhood: private cabanas shaped into the flow of the deck, a pool that leans out toward the sea, and wide walkways that make you want to slow down and enjoy, rather than hurry from one spot to the next.

Standard Staterooms

Standard staterooms on Celebrity Xcel offer a thoughtful blend of comfort, style, and smart design. Whether you choose an Inside, Oceanview, or Veranda stateroom, each space boasts clean lines, subtle coastal tones, and clever storage that maximises every inch. Large beds, premium linens, and well-appointed bathrooms create an inviting retreat after days spent exploring the ship or visiting new ports. Veranda staterooms add private outdoor space for quiet morning coffees or sunset views, while even the most economical accommodations feel far from basic thanks to Celebrity’s attention to detail and commitment to modern, boutique-hotel touches throughout.

Suites

Suites on Celebrity Xcel take the concept of elevated cruising and stretch it further. Every suite, from the Sky Suites to the Iconic Suites, comes with private outdoor space, refined finishes, and attentive access to The Retreat, Celebrity’s all-suite sanctuary. Inside, the design leans into contemporary charm: soft neutrals, natural materials, diffused lighting, and a layout that feels more like a luxury apartment than a stateroom. The bathrooms are spacious and spa-like; the beds are plush and inviting; and the storage lets you truly settle in. The Iconic and Edge Villas remain standouts – two-storey spaces with panoramic windows, outdoor plunge pools, and private terraces that make you feel as though you’re floating above the ocean. Higher-tier suites also boast benefits like priority boarding, personal concierge service, premium amenities, and expansive terraces with some of the best views anywhere at sea. Yet even in the most entry-level suite, you feel the same thread of comfort, privacy, and curated ease.

The Retreat

Life in The Retreat on Celebrity Xcel is designed to feel seamless, with Premium Drinks, WiFi, and all dining throughout the ship. Guests of The Retreat also enjoy access to a private pool deck, a serene lounge, and Luminae – the exclusive restaurant that offers menus curated by Celebrity’s Global Culinary Ambassador, Daniel Boulud. Together, you get the most relaxed environment, nestled nicely away from the rest of the ship.

Dining

Dining on Celebrity Xcel is all about choice, freshness, and a feeling of discovery. You’re not just eating meals… you’re exploring flavours crafted by world-class chefs across more than 30 venues and experiences. The four main dining restaurants each offer their own style, yet all feel refined and spacious. Fine Cut is an elevated favourite with beautifully cooked steaks and rich sides; Le Petit Chef brings a touch of playful creativity; and Raw on 5 serves some of the freshest sushi and seafood at sea. The Magic Carpet – Celebrity’s famous cantilevered platform – adds a sense of theatre to dining, gently floating above the water with changing menus depending on the time of day. Service throughout brings a sense of welcomed attentiveness, without being overly formal.

Entertainment

Entertainment on Celebrity Xcel blends sophistication with fun. Evenings can be as energetic or as easy as you like. The Theatre features tech-savvy, advanced productions combining immersive light, sound, and movement. Live performers drift through The Grand Plaza throughout the evening, and places like The Martini Bar bring a fun, upbeat energy that changes as the night goes on. If you prefer a quieter scene, there are spots for that too. The newly expanded Sunset Bar is a perfect place to settle in for a drink as the sky turns gold, while the Rooftop Garden hosts films, small musical sets, or simply a peaceful corner to take in the view. There’s something for every mood – high-energy or completely laid-back.

Wellness & Activities

Xcel’s wellness spaces are built around slowing down in a modern, refreshing way. The SEA Thermal Suite has been reimagined with new rooms that work on the senses, warm loungers, and calm corners meant for switching off for a while. Spa treatments focus on high-quality products, helping you feel rested and restored. The fitness area has plenty of space and is super easy to navigate, offering experiences like sunrise yoga with ocean views and expert-led strength and conditioning classes. Across the ship, you’ll also find quiet nooks and crannies, perfect for some reading and reflecting.

Shore Experiences

Shore days with Celebrity are built around immersion. Whether you’re wandering historic city streets, joining a small-group culinary excursion, or getting out into nature, the focus is on authenticity and ease. Celebrity’s partnerships with local guides and industry experts ensure you get access to meaningful cultural experiences: hands-on workshops, unique tastings, behind-the-scenes visits, and slower-paced explorations that bring each destination to life. On Xcel, the ship becomes an extension of your time ashore: the flavours, the atmosphere, and the thoughtful touches all help you connect more deeply to the places you’re visiting.

Conclusion

Celebrity Xcel doesn’t chase luxury… it simply embodies it in a modern, unfussy way. She’s a ship designed for people who want a resort-style escape without losing the intimacy and warmth that make a cruise feel special. Days pass at your own pace – relaxing by the pool, wandering through a new city, reminiscing over dinner, or taking in the night sky from the Sunset Bar. Nothing feels rushed, and every moment, big or small, flows together in a way that feels effortless and thoughtfully arranged.

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