Allie Hubers With the anticipated launch of Celebrity Cruises’ newest Edge class ship, Celebrity Xcel, more details are being released ahead of her debut.
The cruise line just announced a wave of exciting new experiences that guests will find aboard their newest ship, promising guests a new way to enjoy date night all day long!
“Celebrity Xcel will be their happy place with new dining options and all-new entertainment and activities creating endless opportunities to ‘Date Night, All Day Long,’” said Michael Scheiner, Chief Marketing and Product Officer for Celebrity Cruises.
With brand-new dining concepts, immersive entertainment, and interactive nightlife, the cruise line is setting a new standard for romance and connection at sea.
As a premium cruise line from Royal Caribbean Group, Celebrity Cruises is one of the best options for adults and couples traveling together. As such, these new additions and details align perfectly with the cruise line’s brand and focus on the adult experience.
“When it comes to couples’ escapes, Celebrity Cruises has it covered,” the line said in a press release issued today, April 28, 2025.
Set to launch later this year in November 2025, Celebrity Xcel will feature 32 globally-inspired dining and beverage options, providing endless opportunities for couples to reconnect over shared meals, lively events, and intimate moments.
A new brunch concept and rooftop dining at Bora
The cruise line announced today that its newest ship will feature a brand-new dining concept, Bora, an al fresco Mediterranean dining venue. Overlooking the ocean, Bora will offer a boozy brunch by day and intimate, chef-led dinners by night.
During the day, guests can indulge in Mediterranean-inspired brunch favorites like shakshuka eggs, croissant eggs benedict with salmon gravlax, and decadent French toast, all while sipping customizable Bloody Marys from what Celebrity calls “the best Bloody Mary bar at sea.” Roving musicians will add to the lively ambiance with live performances for guests.
In the evening, the mood shifts to romance under the stars. Bora’s dinner service will feature chef-prepared tableside dishes, including seared branzino with garlic aioli, lamb tagine with saffron couscous, and fideos negros tostados with razor clams and carabinero prawns. Guests can indulge in authentic Greek cuisine while enjoying a soundtrack of Greek ballads and Italian love songs for a truly enchanting evening.
Expanded entertainment across Celebrity Xcel
Entertainment is also getting a major upgrade on Celebrity’s newest cruise ship. The cruise line announced that Celebrity Xcel will showcase the cruise line’s most expansive entertainment lineup yet, including:
- Three new theatre productions crafted by renowned creative talents from the world of theater, film, and television.
- Two new interactive shows in The Club, where guests can immerse themselves in a different era.
- Multiple new themed dance parties, from 80s glitz and glam to an elevated country music night, destination-inspired festivals, and romantic candlelit concerts.
- A revamped Shine The Night Party, inviting guests to dance under the stars.
“Designed to create memorable moments of connection from morning to night, Celebrity Xcel will sail with our most expansive entertainment offering to date with over 75 resident performers — the most of any Celebrity ship,” said Lisa Lehr, Vice President of Entertainment.
Technological innovations will also add to the experience, with kinetic lighting, lasers, and a larger-than-life LED screen that will transform Celebrity Xcel’s theater into an immersive performance venue.
Guest participation through “Dream Makers”
Another first for Celebrity Xcel is the adoption of the Dream Makers program.
Celebrity Cruises is giving guests a voice in shaping the onboard experience for their latest cruise ship through the new Dream Makers program. Travelers can vote on key decisions, such as the ship’s first headline performer and the final touches on parties and shows.
Voting can be found on Celebrity’s website.
Celebrity Xcel’s inaugural sailings
Celebrity Xcel will make her debut in November 2025 with seven-night Caribbean itineraries departing from Fort Lauderdale, visiting destinations like the Bahamas, Mexico, Grand Cayman, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.
The brand-new cruise ship will continue sailing in the Caribbean until redeploying to the Mediterranean.
In summer 2026, Celebrity Xcel will head to Europe, where she will offer exciting Mediterranean cruises between Barcelona and Athens, including new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.
With its dazzling new food, entertainment, and guest-focused initiatives, Celebrity Xcel promises to deliver an unforgettable vacation designed for couples — and for anyone looking to reconnect, celebrate, and discover something new together.
