Celebrity Xcel Welcomes First Passengers in Port Everglades
Celebrity’s Newest Ship Starts Cruising from Florida
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The Celebrity Xcel just welcomed its first passengers in Florida. This marks the beginning of the ship’s first season with Celebrity Cruises.
The new vessel was built in France at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard. Celebrity took delivery of this Edge-class ship in late October. The Xcel then sailed across the Atlantic Ocean without any guests onboard.
Arriving at Its New Home Port
The ship reached Port Everglades in early November. This Florida port will serve as the Xcel’s home base. Before starting regular cruises, the ship completed several test voyages and preview trips.
The official first cruise departed Port Everglades on November 18, 2025. This five-night trip includes a stop in Cozumel, Mexico. Passengers will also enjoy two full days sailing through the Western Caribbean.
Weekly Caribbean Adventures
Starting after the maiden voyage, the Celebrity Xcel will offer week-long cruises. These seven-night trips explore different parts of the Bahamas and Caribbean. All cruises depart from Fort Lauderdale every Sunday.
The itineraries switch between different destinations each week. Some trips visit Mexico, the Cayman Islands, and Puerto Plata. Other cruises stop in St. Thomas and St. Maarten.
Summer Move to Europe
In May 2026, the 3,260-passenger ship will sail to Europe. The Xcel will spend the summer offering Mediterranean cruises. These trips will last between seven and eleven nights.
The ship will depart from popular European ports like Barcelona and Piraeus near Athens. One highlight includes overnight stays in Funchal on Portugal’s Madeira Island. This gives passengers extra time to explore this beautiful destination.
Celebrity’s Growing Fleet
The Celebrity Xcel joins Celebrity’s expanding Edge-class fleet. The cruise line is already planning its next ship called the Celebrity Xcite. This vessel was ordered earlier this year and will be built at the same French shipyard.
The Celebrity Xcite is expected to be delivered in 2028. It will become the sixth ship in the popular Edge class. The other ships include the Celebrity Edge (2018), Celebrity Apex (2020), Celebrity Beyond (2022), and Celebrity Ascent (2023).
Celebrity has also added other ships to its fleet recently. The Celebrity Flora joined the lineup as a smaller expedition ship designed for Galapagos cruises.
What This Means for Cruise Travelers
The Celebrity Xcel brings more options for American cruise passengers. The ship offers convenient departures from Fort Lauderdale year-round. Caribbean cruise fans can choose from different itineraries each week.
The move to Europe next summer provides even more variety. Passengers can experience Mediterranean culture and destinations. The overnight stay in Madeira is especially appealing for travelers who want deeper destination experiences.
With 3,260 passenger capacity, the Xcel offers plenty of space without feeling overcrowded. Edge-class ships are known for their modern amenities and innovative features. This makes the Xcel an attractive choice for both new and experienced cruisers.
