Celebrity Cruises is redefining what it means to explore Europe at sea, and Celebrity Xcel is leading the way.
As Celebrity’s newest ship prepares to sail the Mediterranean this summer, guests will discover that the journey doesn’t pause when the ship leaves port. Instead, it continues at The Bazaar — a bold, immersive space designed to keep the spirit of each destination alive from morning to night.
Here’s everything you need to know about entertainment aboard Celebrity Xcel during her inaugural Europe season.
The Bazaar: Ship meets shore on Celebrity Xcel sea days
Since its debut in November, The Bazaar has quickly become one of the most talked-about features on Celebrity Xcel. The venue blends culture, cuisine, entertainment, and design into a fluid experience that feels more like wandering a lively European square than spending a day at sea.
“Since the concept launched on Celebrity Xcel in November, The Bazaar has revolutionized destination immersion, keeping guests enveloped in the culture of destinations well beyond their time in port,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises.
“Celebrity Xcel sea days have been transformed with spatial design extending the authentic food, beverage and entertainment delivered into a cohesive singular experience.”
As Celebrity Xcel heads to Europe, The Bazaar will transform once again, this time bringing the heartbeat of the Mediterranean onboard through four distinct festivals inspired by the region’s most beloved cultures.
No two days feel the same for guests. With immersive programming and sweeping three-story LED screens, the space evolves throughout the sailing, reflecting destinations from Florence to Santorini in sights, sounds, and flavors.
Four festivals that bring the Mediterranean to life
At the center of the experience are four Mediterranean-inspired festivals, each capturing the personality of a different region.
The Opa Festival channels the infectious energy of Greece. During the day, guests can enjoy classics like baklava and moussaka while crafting traditional “mati” evil eye jewelry. As evening arrives, live music sets the tone for an energetic celebration where dancing, laughter, and spirited cries of “Opa!” fill the space.
Italy takes the spotlight with the La Dolce Vita Festival, a tribute to the country’s romance and culinary heritage. Daytime experiences include sipping limoncello and learning to make pasta and tiramisu. At night, the festival shifts into something more magical, with Venetian-inspired elegance creating an atmosphere of timeless Italian charm.
In addition, Spain’s passion comes alive during the Salud Festival. Guests can sample sangria, enjoy regional bites, and take part in hands-on activities like creating flamenco roses and traditional fans.
As the day winds down, the energy builds with dramatic performances by flamenco dancers and matadors, delivering a bold celebration of Spanish soul.
Finally, the Silk & Spice Festival rounds out the lineup with inspiration drawn from Morocco and Turkey. This sensory-rich experience invites guests to sip fragrant teas, enjoy Turkish delight, and explore hands-on cultural activities by day.
In the evening, rhythmic music and whirling dancers transform the space into a captivating celebration of movement and sound.
Hands-on European cooking during sea days aboard Celebrity Xcel
Food plays a central role in The Bazaar experience. Mosaic, the open-kitchen dining venue, offers reimagined dishes inspired by cities such as Naples, Mykonos, and Lisbon. Nearby, Spice provides a more casual option with rotating daytime bites influenced by the ports on each itinerary, all served alongside panoramic ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows.
On Celebrity Xcel sea days, Market at The Bazaar brings European craftsmanship onboard. Guests can browse items sourced from local artisans, including olive oils, Italian scarves, and hand-painted tiles — meaningful keepsakes that reflect the places they’ve visited.
For travelers who love to connect through cooking, Chef’s Studio at Mosaic offers Celebrity’s first destination-inspired cooking school.
The hands-on classes change throughout the voyage to mirror the festival themes, allowing guests to learn regional recipes while creating memories they can take home to their own kitchens.
Iconic ports and overnight adventures
The immersive experience doesn’t stop at sea for guests sailing aboard Celebrity’s newest ship.
Celebrity Xcel’s itineraries this summer include iconic Mediterranean destinations such as Florence, Palma de Mallorca, Santorini, and Mykonos, along with overnight stays designed to let guests linger longer, including new overnight calls in Madeira, Portugal.
Beginning in May 2026, Celebrity Xcel will launch her inaugural European season with seven- to 11-night sailings from Barcelona and Athens.
With The Bazaar at the heart of the experience, the ship promises a Mediterranean journey that feels deeper, richer, and far more connected — proving that on Celebrity Xcel, the destination never truly fades into the distance.
