What does the future of luxury cruising look like? We were granted exclusive access to find out, joining the inaugural sailing of Celebrity Cruises' highly anticipated new vessel for 2026, the Celebrity Xcel. This dazzling addition to the Edge Series promises a holiday where choice is endless, and we discovered that includes a clandestine secret hidden in plain sight.
A Sparkling New World at Sea
The atmosphere was electric as the Celebrity Xcel set sail from Fort Lauderdale on its maiden Caribbean cruise, calling at Bimini in the Bahamas and Cozumel in Mexico. From the moment you step aboard, you're immersed in a world of contemporary art and sleek design. The ship's innovative Magic Carpet platform, suspended dramatically over the ocean, sets the tone for the innovative experiences on offer.
Navigating the abundance of options is made easier with daily planners in your cabin and a comprehensive app. The beating heart of the ship is the three-deck high Grand Plaza, dominated by a stunning chandelier above the martini bar. Here, flamboyant mixologists put on a show, and a striking golden horse sculpture provides a perfect backdrop for the nightly entertainment, which includes a particularly popular silent disco.
A brand-new area called The Bazaar on deck five offers an immersive sensory journey. Accessed via a tunnel of shifting lights, it draws inspiration from the cruise's destinations, filled with artisan stalls and themed festivals on sea days. The aromas change with every visit, tempting you to explore its crafts and themed snacks.
Culinary Excellence and Endless Activity
The dining landscape on the Xcel is vast and impressive. Four distinct complimentary restaurants—Cosmopolitan, Normandie, Cyprus, and Tuscan—each boast unique decor and signature dishes. For a more casual vibe, the Oceanview Café offers panoramic views alongside a huge buffet, pizza bar, ice cream parlour, and late-night bites.
For those seeking a speciality experience, seven premium venues await. We were particularly captivated by Mosaic, an open-kitchen concept that creatively reinterprets local flavours from each port of call. Meanwhile, Bora provides a breathtaking alfresco setting at the ship's summit, perfect for extravagant brunches or romantic sunset dinners.
After indulging, the ship offers ample opportunity for activity. A walking track encircles the top decks, and a state-of-the-art gym with sea views makes workouts a pleasure. The expansive spa, complete with a private sundeck called Vitamin D, offers a serene escape with a full suite of thermal facilities and treatments.
The Celebrity Pool Club, watched over by a giant mirrored monkey sculpture, is a hub of daytime fun with valet service and activities, transforming into the 'Shine the Night' party venue after dark. Beyond this, the ship houses a theatre, a casino, The Club for games, an art gallery, and more bars than one can easily count.
Ashore, excursions like the unforgettable shark snorkelling in Bimini allow the adventure to continue.
The Whispered Secret: IYKYK
Beyond all the advertised glamour, our voyage revealed an intriguing mystery. Rumours persist of a secret speakeasy bar onboard, cryptically referenced as 'IYKYK' (If You Know, You Know) in scant online clues. Staff playfully deny its existence, but we stumbled upon it on our final night. The experience is fiercely guarded—no photographs are allowed—but it's a find that truly rewards the curious traveller. Our only hint? Keep a keen eye out for the photo booth...
A 7-night Bahamas, Mexico & Cayman Cruise on the Celebrity Xcel, departing 1 March 2026, starts from £879.50 per person, based on two sharing an Inside Stateroom. This fare includes food, with drinks packages, flights, and WiFi available at extra cost.
