Celebrity Xcel Has a Mediterranean Rooftop, a Next-Level Spa, and All-New Entertainment

By: - November 15th, 2025
Celebrity Xcel in its sea trials.
Celebrity Xcel.

Celebrity Cruises has introduced the newest ship in its Edge Series, Celebrity Xcel, arriving in Fort Lauderdale with a slate of new spaces designed to reimagine the onboard experience. The ship, shaped in part by guest feedback through the global Xcel Dream Makers program, launches with seven brand-new concepts across dining, entertainment and wellness. It is the fifth vessel in the line’s signature series and the most guest-influenced ship Celebrity has ever created.

Jason Liberty, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, said the ship represents the company’s next step in evolving the vacation experience. Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, added that Xcel was “thoughtfully designed with our guests in mind,” underscoring the role of the Dream Makers in finalizing the ship’s new features.

The Bazaar: A Three-Story Destination Experience
A first for Celebrity, The Bazaar is a three-deck environment that blends culinary, entertainment and destination programming. The space shifts throughout the day, introducing regionally inspired activities tied to each itinerary. Guests will find two new dining venues — Mosaic and Spice Café — along with a market offering local artisan products and rotating festivals that bring the feel of each destination onboard.

Bora: A Mediterranean Rooftop Restaurant
Perched high above the water, Bora transforms from an upbeat daytime brunch spot to an atmospheric dinner venue. The restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes, tableside presentations and a dedicated Bloody Mary bar during brunch. Evenings transition into a quieter, coastal-style dining setting accompanied by Greek and Italian music.

The Celebrity Pool Club
The reimagined Pool Club adds new shaded areas, updated seating and a pool valet service offering cold towels, card games, sunscreen and secure storage. Private cabanas are available with elevated service for guests seeking a VIP-style pool day.

Attic at The Club
This late-night, retro-inspired lounge features neon-lit arcade games, classic favorites like Pac-Man and Golden Tee, and a mix of pool, darts, foosball and shuffleboard. Open around the clock, Attic at The Club is designed as a social hub with a casual, adults-only atmosphere.

Celebrity Flagship Store
Celebrity’s first-ever flagship retail space combines museum elements with interactive displays. Guests can explore collectibles, historical artifacts and customizable merchandise, including engraved and embroidered items available only on Celebrity Xcel.

The Spa on Xcel and the New Hydra Room
Celebrity’s largest spa to date introduces the Hydra Room, a new water-based wellness experience within the expanded Thermal Suite. The spa also debuts the outdoor Vitamin D Deck, an open-air relaxation space at the front of the ship offering panoramic views and non-alcoholic refreshments.

Expanded Entertainment Lineup
The ship launches with Celebrity’s most robust entertainment offering yet, including new shows in The Theatre, interactive productions in The Club, expanded live music and a full schedule of themed parties and daily activities.

Celebrity Xcel will sail her inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale on seven-night itineraries visiting The Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. In summer 2026, the ship begins its first European season with seven- to eleven-night Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona and Athens, including new overnight stays in Madeira.

About the author

Karen Udler is the Deputy Travel Editor of Caribbean Journal. A graduate of Duke University, has been traveling across the Americas for three decades. First an expert on Latin American travel, Karen has been traveling with CJ for more than a decade. She likes to focus on wellness, luxury travel and food.
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