Cruise fans never miss a chance to spot a standout feature, and Celebrity Xcel, the newest ship in the fleet, introduces several that grab attention. From refreshed social venues to redesigned activity zones, the ship’s new concepts turn usual onboard spaces into spots people actually want to spend time in. With smart touches on nearly every corner, Xcel sets itself apart from what passengers normally find at sea.
Vitamin D Deck. Photo credit: Celebrity Cruises.
Celebrity Xcel’s newest additions focus on relaxation, elevated dining and easy downtime so guests stay engaged no matter where they wander around the ship. I was invited on board for the naming ceremony, where I got a firsthand look at the guest-first approach.
Celebrity Pool Club
The Celebrity Pool Club gives Xcel one of its most active outdoor areas, and the design keeps guests comfortable while they spend time by the water. The new rooftop cover casts steady shade across large portions of the deck, and the crew supports the space with a valet service that hands out cold towels, sunscreen and secure storage. VIP cabanas add another layer of comfort for travelers who want a more private setup during long sea days.
The pool program fills days at sea, and the schedule leans into steady activity. The signature event runs from morning through the afternoon with live performances, DJ sets, frozen cocktail treats and games that build energy around the pool.
The crew also runs short wellness sessions and lively classes that draw people toward the deck before evening entertainment begins. Pop-up acts move through the area, which keeps the pool club active through long stretches of the day without feeling crowded.
The Spa
Celebrity Xcel places The Spa at the center of its wellness offerings, and the venue is the brand’s largest to date. It features a wide menu of treatments that range from targeted services to full-body sessions, giving passengers plenty of options throughout their trip.
The Hydra Room introduces a bubbling pool with strong jets and heated loungers that create a recovery area after long days on the ship. The SEA Thermal Suite brings a new H2O circuit that builds on the line’s existing thermal experiences. An outdoor Vitamin D Deck adds another setting for passengers who want open-air relaxation with ocean views.
Access follows Celebrity’s standard policy. AquaClass guests receive entry with their booking, and passengers in other staterooms can choose day or week passes that fit their schedule. This approach keeps the venue accessible without overcrowding the space, and it gives travelers a clear path to plan their own wellness time during the cruise.
Oceanview Cafe
The Oceanview Cafe goes beyond the standard buffet setup and focuses on a wider range of flavors than most guests expect on a mainstream ship. A station dedicated to Indian dishes serves food with real heat and seasoning and has become a consistent favorite among returning passengers. The space also rotates menus to match the region on the itinerary, giving travelers options that feel connected to each sailing.
The layout expands on earlier Edge-class designs with a larger salad bar, more cold selections and a broader bakery area. You can easily eat every meal at the buffet and never tire of the food. It’s among the best I’ve ever had at sea.
The Bazaar
A major shift to the ship’s layout appears on Celebrity Xcel with The Bazaar placed at the center of the action. The venue spans several decks, which is rare for a mainstream line and gives the ship enough space to run food counters, artisan stalls, tasting areas and cultural programming that follows the itinerary. The layout supports constant movement through the space as offerings change with the route.
Two venues form the hub: Mosaic, the world-class full-service restaurant, and Spice, a casual eatery with made-to-order, flavor-packed bowls. Both restaurants vary their menus and feature the ingredients and dishes of whichever port they happen to be in.
Celebrity presents The Bazaar as its most destination-focused space. It’s bright, lively, and a terrific area to spend time in. From live entertainment to browsing local crafts while in port, there’s truly something exciting for every visit.
Attic at the Club
Late-night crowds finally get a reliable spot on Celebrity Xcel with Attic at the Club set right in the mix of the ship’s social spaces. The venue stays open 24 hours, which is rare for mainstream cruising and gives travelers a reliable option once bars and lounges close for the night. It focuses on gaming, snacks and drinks instead of daytime activities, which helps it function as a true around-the-clock hangout.
This setup keeps the ship’s nightlife moving without long breaks between events. Guests who want a place to stay out can head to the Attic instead of searching for venues that close early or switch to other uses during the day.
The Retreat
Celebrity Xcel gives guests a dedicated enclave through The Retreat, which includes a private lounge, dining room, pool and sundeck. The ship within a ship concept comes complete with butler service to assist with everything from making reservations to grabbing a late-night plate of cookies.
Service plays a major role in the experience. Guests can use Butler Chat for quick help throughout the day, and a Destination Experience Specialist supports passengers with excursion planning. Both features make it easier for travelers to manage plans without extra steps.
Celebrity positions The Retreat at a price point that is below similar options on luxury lines. That approach keeps it within reach for travelers who want extra space and support without moving into a higher budget category.
If You Know, You Know
Celebrity Xcel has added a low-profile venue known informally as IYKYK, designed so guests come across it naturally during the voyage. The tucked-away layout gives the speakeasy a sense of discovery and separates it from the ship’s more visible bars.
The venue focuses on adults and supports the ship’s late-night atmosphere with a quieter setting than the larger nightlife spots. Its hidden placement gives the ship an intriguing feature that invites curiosity and adds to the details that make Xcel stand out.
A smarter cruise experience
Celebrity Xcel’s collection of under-the-radar features points to a clear shift in what modern travelers value on board. Comfort, flexibility and fresh layout ideas drive the experience instead of one-note attractions. All of these help Xcel stand out in a crowded cruise market.
Jennifer Allen is a retired chef turned traveler, cookbook author and nationally syndicated journalist; she’s also a co-founder of Food Drink Life, where she shares expert travel tips, cruise insights and luxury destination guides. A recognized cruise expert with a deep passion for high-end experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations, Jennifer explores the world with curiosity, depth and a storyteller’s perspective. Her articles are regularly featured on the Associated Press Wire, The Washington Post, Seattle Times, MSN and more.
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