Celebrity’s Newest Ship

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Set to make its public debut on November 16 in Fort Lauderdale, Celebrity Cruises’ new Celebrity Xcel will be the fifth ship in the line’s Edge Class. If you’ve sailed on another Edge Class ship, the Xcel will feel familiar, but there are some exciting new features as well.

For example, the 3,260-passenger ship is the first in the Celebrity fleet to be capable of running on methanol, an alternative fuel that reduces engine emissions.

A more noticeable change is at the aft of the Xcel, where other Edge Class ships have Eden – a multi-use lounge, dining, and entertainment space. Instead of Eden, the Xcel has The Bazaar, a triple-deck space that features destination-inspired dining and entertainment in a festival atmosphere. The Bazaar will also offer workshops focused on local traditions and crafts, too. It’s a way to bring what’s on shore onto the ship, and it’s a response to passenger requests for more immersive cruise experiences.

The Bazaar will also house two new dining venues, Mosaic and Spice. Mosaic is a specialty, for-fee restaurant, serving dishes based on local cuisine from its open kitchen. The restaurant also offers a Chef’s Table experience of multiple courses and wine pairings, as well as Celebrity’s first destination-inspired cooking school, Chef’s Studio. Spice is a more casual dining spot offering grab-and-go dishes, some inspired by the ship’s ports of call.

Another new specialty restaurant is Bora, an open-air venue that serves brunch by day and dishes prepared at the tableside in the evening. Passengers will also be able to select from established Celebrity dining favorites like Blu, Fine Cut Steakhouse, Voyage by Daniel Boulud, and more.

The Xcel pool deck has some great new features, including more shaded areas and more private cabanas. There’s also a pool valet who can provide fresh chilled towels, sunscreen, and storage for items that shouldn’t get wet.

Of course, the Xcel also offers Edge Class favorites like the Magic Carpet, the Retreat for suite guests, and lots of Infinite Veranda cabins.

After a special preview cruise and the official naming ceremony, the ship’s inaugural cruise will be a five-night Caribbean voyage that begins on November 18. For now, the ship will spend winter in the Caribbean and summer in the Mediterranean, which means it will also sail two Transatlantic itineraries each year. For more information about how you can sail on Celebrity Xcel, talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor.

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