Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship, Celebrity Xcel, is already generating buzz for its modern design, innovative spaces, and brand-new dining concepts. But a new video posted by @ericafromameriiica has revealed something far more mysterious: a hidden speakeasy that guests can only reach by stepping through what looks like an ordinary photo booth.
The rumored bar, possibly named “IYKYK” (If You Know, You Know), appears to be one of the ship’s most exclusive venues, and it’s hidden in plain sight!
Before Celebrity Xcel’s launch, guests speculated about what the mysterious “IYKYK” venue might be. On Celebrity Cruises’ website, the description simply reads, “That’s our little secret. You’ll just have to book Celebrity Xcel to find out.”
Now that Celebrity Xcel has welcomed its first passengers for media preview sailings, first looks have been shared online. We can see an exclusive look into Celebrity Xcel’s speakeasy bar in a since-deleted post from Erica From America’s Instagram.
At the end of her Instagram video, Erica shows herself waiting in a short line behind a draped black curtain, the type used to conceal a self-service photo booth. The entry looks sleek and understated, which blends seamlessly into the ship’s modern interior.
Erica explains how she is simply waiting to take her photo from the photo booth with a few others in line.
When it’s her turn, Erica steps behind the curtain into a small, softly lit room that feels part photo studio, part elevator lobby. The lighting is ambient and cinematic, with a subtle foreshadowing that this is no ordinary photo op.
Inside, a glowing touchscreen displays the words “Let’s Make Some Memories” and “Travel Back in Time.” Guests are prompted to scan their SeaPass card before pressing the large “Start” button.
As Erica explains in the video, the setup “had like a twenties vibe to it.” The frame’s gold accents and elegant lighting give it an Art Deco feel that hints at what’s to come.
After tapping the start button, the booth comes to life. Instead of printing photos, it begins to move. A few seconds later, the doors slide open to reveal a different floor and a dimly lit hallway.
A secret passageway for guests leads to Celebrity Xcel’s speakeasy
In the next few clips, the atmosphere changes completely. Erica’s video shows a narrow hallway lined with dark walls and softly illuminated vertical light panels, giving the space a moody, cinematic glow.
The design feels secretive and intentionally understated as a transitional space that builds anticipation. Erica walks down the secret hallway, which leads to another door that opens. What lies beyond is both glamorous and surprising.
Before their phones are taken, viewers catch a brief look inside the hidden bar. Through the open doorway, you can see a lavish, Art Deco–inspired lounge bathed in warm golden lighting.
A woman dressed in a silver, flapper-style dress and pearls stands near the entrance, greeting guests as they step inside. Behind her, the room glows with amber hues, showcasing a curved bar with leather chairs, glassware, and elegant lighting fixtures, all reminiscent of a 1920s speakeasy.
“So we can’t really show you what happened after that,” the text reads across the video. Another line follows: “They literally took our phone.”
It’s clear this bar is meant to be exclusive and a secret experience that relies on mystery as much as design.
“IYKYK” is possibly near The Club
While Celebrity Cruises hasn’t released official information about the space, the dark hallway and lighting style match the nightlife areas surrounding The Club, a versatile lounge found on other Edge-class ships.
It’s possible that “IYKYK” serves as a hidden venue accessed through or near The Club. This would rival land-based speakeasies that require guests to find a disguised entrance. In this case, the photo booth is doubling as an elevator to the Celebrity Xcel speakeasy bar.
From what’s shown in the video and photos, the bar is a mix of modern cruise ship design and vintage flair. The entrance showcases a sleek, minimalist, and high-tech vibe that contrasts sharply with the interior’s rich 1920s aesthetic.
That contrast is what makes the rumored IYKYK speakeasy on Celebrity Xcel so intriguing. It’s an immersive, sensory experience that takes guests from the sleek metallic tones of Celebrity Xcel’s corridors into a world of Gatsby-era cocktails and chandeliers.
Celebrity Cruises has not yet confirmed details about the secret venue, but the viral clip has already sparked widespread speculation among cruise fans. Whether it’s a ticketed experience or a hidden gem reserved for suite-class guests, one thing is certain: “IYKYK” is designed to surprise guests.
Video and discovery courtesy of Erica From Ameriica on Instagram, who first shared the hidden “IYKYK” speakeasy experience aboard Celebrity Xcel.
