Celebrity Xcel — Celebrity Cruises' Most Innovative Ship
Celebrity Cruises' most innovative ship sets sail in 2025 — Mediterranean, Caribbean and seven brand-new experiences on board unlike anything ever seen in the Edge Series fleet.
A ship that redefines modern cruising
Celebrity Xcel is not simply the fifth ship in Celebrity Cruises' Edge Series — it is a statement of intent. Launched in November 2025, this 141,000-gross-ton vessel stretches 326 metres in length and welcomes up to 3,950 guests into an environment built for travellers who refuse to choose between luxury, discovery and entertainment.
Constructed by Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, Celebrity Xcel introduces seven entirely new experiences to the Celebrity Cruises fleet — a first for the Edge Series. Twenty metres longer than its predecessors, one additional deck, 179 more staterooms and a 12% increase in overall volume: every detail has been reimagined to elevate the on-board experience to an entirely new level.
For Canadian travellers seeking a cruise that blends avant-garde design, award-winning cuisine and five-star service, Celebrity Xcel stands as one of the most compelling options available in 2025 and 2026.
The Retreat: Celebrity Cruises' most exclusive adults-only private enclave
On board Celebrity Xcel, The Retreat redefines what it means to travel in a suite. This exclusive enclave, reserved for suite guests, features a private sundeck with a dedicated pool and jacuzzis, a signature restaurant, a lounge with personal butler service, and priority access to embarkation and disembarkation at every port.
The level of personalisation within The Retreat surpasses anything Celebrity Cruises has previously offered. Every detail — from dining and décor to atmosphere and amenities — has been designed to deliver a five-star hotel experience, with the infinite horizon of the ocean as a permanent backdrop. For guests who want the very best of what a cruise ship can offer, The Retreat on Celebrity Xcel is in a class of its own.
Magic Carpet and The Bazaar: the unmistakable signatures of Celebrity Xcel
The Magic Carpet — a cantilevered floating platform suspended off the ship's starboard side — remains one of the most spectacular installations ever conceived for a cruise ship. Moving between decks throughout the day, this transformable structure becomes in turn an elevated cocktail bar, a casual seafood restaurant, or a destination gateway platform for shore excursions. The view from the Magic Carpet, suspended above the open ocean, is nothing short of breathtaking.
The Bazaar replaces the Eden found on previous Edge-class ships and establishes itself as the most vibrant space on Celebrity Xcel. This three-deck complex features rotating markets inspired by the destinations visited, culinary demonstrations with local chefs, live music and artistic performances. Each port of call breathes new life into The Bazaar, making every day on board a unique cultural experience that extends the destination into the ship itself.
The Spa: the most expansive and comprehensive in the entire Celebrity fleet
The Spa on Celebrity Xcel is an unprecedented installation in the Celebrity Cruises fleet. With more than 120 treatments and therapies available, it surpasses every predecessor in the Edge Series. The headline new feature is the Hydra Room — a brand-new therapeutic experience added to the eight existing Thermal Suite facilities, which include saunas, steam rooms, sensory showers and heated stone loungers.
The Spa also features a new outdoor Vitamin D Deck — a sun-drenched terrace accessible to spa guests for extending their wellness experience under the open sky. Treatments span the full range: massages, facials, body therapies, hair styling, manicures, pedicures and wellness programming developed in partnership with Gwyneth Paltrow's goop brand. For guests who prioritise wellbeing at sea, Celebrity Xcel's Spa sets the standard for the entire cruise industry.
Dining on board: a culinary destination in the middle of the ocean
Celebrity Xcel is a benchmark for gastronomy in the cruise industry. The main dining room offers refined cuisine included in the cruise fare, while specialty restaurants deliver unique culinary experiences: the Tuscan Restaurant for authentic Italian flavours, Normandie for classic French cuisine, Le Voyage — curated by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud — and Bora, an alfresco Mediterranean restaurant that brings the flavours of the region to the open deck.
Celebrity's beverage packages — included in the Always Included fare or available as a premium upgrade — allow guests to enjoy an extensive selection of wines, spirits and handcrafted cocktails across all bars and lounges on board. The Martini Bar, relocated to the centre of the expanded Grand Plaza, has become one of the most animated social hubs on Celebrity Xcel, anchored by a stunning chandelier featuring 765 blades and dynamic LED lighting that transforms the atmosphere throughout the evening.
Entertainment and activities: Attic at The Club and much more
Celebrity Xcel introduces Attic at The Club, a neon-lit adults-only games room open 24 hours a day, dedicated to the nostalgia of retro gaming: Pac-Man, NBA Showtime, Golden Tee, billiards, darts and foosball. A private event space can be reserved for group activities — karaoke nights, golf simulation tournaments or get-togethers with friends old and new.
The Celebrity Pool Club reinvents the poolside experience with a pool valet service offering chilled towels, sunscreen and personal storage, plus private cabanas available for the ultimate day at sea. On the upper decks, the Rooftop Garden hosts pickleball courts, an outdoor cinema in the evenings, and the Lawn Club for bocce, croquet and casual lawn games. The Theatre delivers full-scale production shows every evening, from Broadway-style musicals to magic performances and contemporary dance — complemented by live music across multiple venues throughout the ship.
Who is Celebrity Xcel best suited for?
Celebrity Xcel is designed for sophisticated adult travellers and couples seeking a cruise centred on gastronomy, design and destination discovery. The Retreat makes it a first-choice option for those who want a level of luxury and privacy comparable to the world's finest resorts — but with a different horizon every morning.
Families with children are warmly welcomed — Camp at Sea (ages 3 to 12) and The Basement teen club offer comprehensive supervised programmes. However, travellers seeking a ship built around giant waterslides and aqua parks will find Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line better suited to their expectations — and our advisors will always guide you honestly if that is your profile. The right ship for the right guest is always our priority.
Celebrity Xcel is particularly popular among Canadian travellers who appreciate refined service, world-class cuisine and itineraries that place the destination front and centre — from the Greek islands to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
Our expert verdict — Voyages AquaTerra
Celebrity Xcel stands as one of the most accomplished ships of its generation. Its combination of avant-garde design, world-class gastronomy, a record-breaking spa and seven brand-new experiences makes it an exceptional choice for discerning cruisers who want every day at sea to be as memorable as the ports themselves.
For Canadians planning a Mediterranean cruise in 2025 or 2026, or a Caribbean sailing from Miami for winter 2026-2027, Celebrity Xcel deserves a place at the top of the shortlist. Our cruise advisors monitor availability in real time and can position you on the best staterooms — panoramic balconies, The Retreat suites, or AquaClass cabins with complimentary spa access included.
Whether you are departing from Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary or anywhere else in Canada, Voyages AquaTerra coordinates your complete travel experience — flights, transfers, stateroom, shore excursions and travel insurance — so that all you have to do is enjoy every moment on board Celebrity Xcel.
Speak with a Voyages AquaTerra cruise advisor today — and secure your place on board Celebrity Cruises' most innovative ship ever.
