Celebrity Xcel: New Cruise Ship Set to Debut
Celebrity Cruises has officially welcomed its highly anticipated ship, Celebrity Xcel, marking a significant milestone for the cruise line. The delivery took place on October 23, 2025, at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France. With its inaugural voyage scheduled for next month, excitement is building among cruise enthusiasts eager to discover what the new vessel has to offer.
Delivery and Upcoming Launch
The delivery ceremony for Celebrity Xcel was attended by executives from Royal Caribbean Group and over 1,600 crew members from Celebrity Cruises. The event featured traditional maritime rituals, including a signing ceremony, a flag exchange, and a celebratory toast in the ship’s impressive three-story Grand Plaza. Celebrity Xcel joins the ranks of Celebrity’s award-winning Edge Series, which includes notable ships like Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, and Celebrity Beyond.
As the countdown to its launch continues, Celebrity Xcel is set to embark on week-long Caribbean itineraries from Fort Lauderdale, visiting popular destinations such as The Bahamas, Mexico, and the Cayman Islands. In 2026, the ship will transition to European waters, offering seven- to eleven-night Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona and Athens, with new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal. Alongside this announcement, Celebrity also introduced its next Edge-class ship, Celebrity Xcite, which is slated for a 2028 debut.
Designed with Guests in Mind
Celebrity Cruises emphasizes that Xcel has been crafted with guest experience at the forefront. The cruise line engaged travelers in the design process through its Xcel Dream Makers program, ensuring that the ship meets the desires of vacationers. Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, stated, “Celebrity Xcel has been designed with our guest as our north star, we even involved them in the design process through the Xcel Dream Makers program, so we know she will be the happy place of vacationers globally.”
While many features of Xcel remain undisclosed, the cruise line has confirmed the addition of seven new spaces aimed at enhancing the onboard experience. One of the standout features is The Bazaar, designed to immerse guests in the cultural essence of the destinations they visit through a blend of sights, sounds, and flavors.
Celebrity Cruises takes delivery of new Xcel ship and names next Edge class vessel
Anticipation and Demand for More Information
As the launch date approaches, many cruise fans express eagerness but also frustration over the limited information available about Celebrity Xcel. Online discussions reveal a desire for more detailed insights into the ship’s offerings. One commenter on Reddit noted, “I want more information about the Xcel, not the Xcite. I feel they really butchered the rollout on that ship.” Despite receiving promotional emails, many feel that the shared details lack substance, with requests for clarity on amenities such as the pool club and dining options.
For those seeking a glimpse of what to expect, a behind-the-scenes tour of Celebrity Xcel’s construction has been shared on YouTube, providing some insight into the ship’s development. However, for a comprehensive reveal, fans will need to wait until the ship officially sets sail next month.
