A Modern Evolution: First Impressions of Celebrity Xcel

Jonny Peat • November 19, 2025

From the moment I boarded Celebrity Xcel, I could feel that this ship was something special. The atmosphere is unmistakably Celebrity - sophisticated, contemporary, and polished yet the design feels even lighter, brighter, and more refined than her predecessors.

Every space feels thoughtfully refreshed, from the airy public areas to the intimate lounges. It’s luxury without the stiffness, elegance without intimidation. In short: Xcel captures the best of modern cruising.

Outdoor Living on Celebrity Xcel: Elevated Pool Deck Experience

If you love spending your sea days stretched out in the sun, you’re going to adore what Celebrity has done with Xcel’s pool deck. It’s here that the ship really starts to distinguish itself.

The Pool Valet: A Touch of Bougie Bliss

Celebrity Xcel introduces a new pool valet service — and yes, it’s exactly as indulgent as it sounds. The valet offers:

complimentary sun cream
chilled towels
a curated selection of outdoor games
overall, a little extra dose of pampering

It’s a subtle touch but makes the deck feel even more resort-like. I spent far longer here than planned, simply because the atmosphere was so effortless.

Dining on Celebrity Xcel: First Impressions of BORA on Deck 15

One of my favourite discoveries onboard was BORA, a brand-new alfresco restaurant located high on Deck 15. With sweeping ocean views and a relaxed, breezy vibe, it immediately became my go-to spot.

Brunch “Through the Roof”

By day, BORA delivers one of the most memorable brunch experiences at sea. The views are unbeatable, and the over-the-top Bloody Mary bar is a centrepiece, colourful, creative, and very easy to linger over.

Mediterranean Nights Under the Stars

After the sun sets, BORA transforms. The lighting softens, the music shifts, and vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dishes take centre stage. It’s romantic without trying to be, atmospheric without being formal, a dining highlight for sure.

Entertainment on Celebrity Xcel: Bigger, Bolder, More Immersive

If there’s one area where Celebrity Xcel seriously flexes, it’s entertainment. The main theatre hosts the largest cast in Celebrity Cruises’ history, and the result is a line-up of shows that feel more like land-based spectaculars than traditional cruise entertainment.

Next-Level Technology

Each performance is enhanced by cutting-edge effects, including:

kinetic lighting
laser video etching
projection mapping
pyrotechnics
a massive 110-foot curved kinetic LED screen

This combination creates an immersive, cinematic feel that surprised me in the best way.

Shows I Saw Onboard

While three new shows debut on Xcel, I was able to catch two of them:

Between Takes: A glamorous trip back to 1920s Hollywood. Think vintage charm meets Broadway polish.
Chapters: A visual love letter to nature, filled with beautiful imagery and atmospheric moments.

Both productions were impressive, memorable, and far beyond what most people expect from cruise ship entertainment.

The Bazaar on Celebrity Xcel: A Festival of Experiences

One of the most exciting additions to Celebrity Xcel is The Bazaar, a brand-new venue hosting four rotating festivals: Carnival, Aqua, Viva and Flora.

Our Experience: Carnival Festival

We were lucky enough to experience Carnival, a vibrant, colourful, high-energy spectacle bursting with:

live performances
interactive elements
themed artistry
immersive décor

The Bazaar is the kind of space where you wander in “just for a minute” and end up staying because something new catches your eye every few seconds.

Why The Bazaar Works

Each festival taps into the culture, colour, and spirit of the destinations Celebrity Xcel visits. It’s dynamic and ever-changing where no two nights feel the same.

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