Celebrity Xcel Sets Sail for a Full Maiden Season Across the Caribbean
Celebrity Xcel is wrapping up its first season sailing the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Here’s a look at what’s coming next for this exciting new ship.
Celebrity Xcel’s First Season Is Almost Over
Celebrity Cruises took delivery of the Celebrity Xcel in late 2024. The ship started sailing in November 2025, offering seven-night cruises from Fort Lauderdale.
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This month, the ship completed one of its final Caribbean sailings. The Western Caribbean itinerary included stops in Cozumel, George Town, and Bimini.
One More Caribbean Cruise Before Europe
Before heading overseas, the Xcel has one last Caribbean itinerary on the books. The seven-night cruise departs Fort Lauderdale on April 19, 2026.
This sailing heads to the Eastern Caribbean. Passengers will visit Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and Philipsburg.
Crossing the Atlantic to Europe
In late April 2026, the Celebrity Xcel sets sail for Europe. The 15-night transatlantic voyage departs Fort Lauderdale and arrives in Barcelona, Spain.
Along the way, the ship makes several stops. Travelers will visit King’s Wharf in Bermuda, Ponta Delgada in Portugal, and Palma de Mallorca in Spain.
A Full Summer in the Mediterranean
Once in Europe, the Xcel will spend the summer sailing the Mediterranean. The ship will operate cruises lasting seven to eleven nights.
Departures will sail from both Barcelona and Athens. Port calls include some of the most popular spots in the region.
Mediterranean Highlights
Here are some of the destinations on the summer itineraries:
- Santorini, Greece – one of the most iconic islands in the world
- Valletta, Malta – a historic capital full of culture
- Kusadasi, Turkey – home to the ancient ruins of Ephesus
- La Spezia, Italy – a gateway to the Cinque Terre
Returning to Miami for Winter 2026
By early November 2026, the Celebrity Xcel heads back to the U.S. The ship will arrive in Miami to begin its second winter season in the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
About the Ship
The Celebrity Xcel is the fifth ship in Celebrity’s Edge class. It was built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France. The ship carries about 2,900 passengers and weighs in at 140,600 tons.
A sixth Edge-class ship is already in the works. The Celebrity Xcite is expected to join the fleet in 2028.
