Celebrity Xcel: The Billion-Dollar Cruise Ship Redefining Luxury—Is This the Ultimate Caribbean Experience?

Published on December 8, 2025

Celebrity Xcel, the newest flagship of Celebrity Cruises, has officially embarked on its maiden voyage, marking a significant milestone in the world of luxury cruises. The state-of-the-art vessel, valued at a billion dollars, is designed to offer an unparalleled cruising experience, blending world-class amenities with an innovative approach to hospitality. The ship has quickly captured attention as one of the most luxurious floating resorts to grace the seas, and its Caribbean debut has been eagerly anticipated by cruise enthusiasts.

A Luxury Experience Like No Other

A Sunrise reporter, Katie Brown, was given the unique opportunity to test out the Celebrity Xcel, marking her first-ever cruise experience. Brown ventured on this remarkable journey through the Caribbean, where she discovered an array of luxurious amenities that are setting new standards in the cruising industry. The Celebrity Xcel promises to offer an experience that rivals some of the world’s best resorts, and it doesn’t disappoint.

Among the standout features of the ship are its heated tile lounges, which have become a highlight for passengers. These lounges are designed to promote muscle relaxation, with just 40 minutes on the heated tiles offering the equivalent of eight hours of sleep in terms of muscle recovery. This innovative feature reflects the ship’s commitment to providing wellness and relaxation at the highest level, ensuring passengers feel rejuvenated throughout their journey.

The Iconic Suite: A First-Class Experience

The Celebrity Xcel is home to what is described as “the iconic suite,” a luxurious living space that is one of the many premium offerings on board. This suite represents the epitome of comfort and elegance, featuring high-end furnishings, spacious interiors, and a range of exclusive amenities designed to cater to the most discerning travelers. From the suite’s private spaces to its breathtaking views, every detail is crafted to provide an exceptional level of luxury.

A New Era of Hospitality: Celebrity Cruises Sets the Standard

According to Laura Hodges Bethge, a representative from Celebrity Cruises, the Celebrity Xcel takes the brand’s already renowned hospitality to a new level. While Celebrity Cruises has always prided itself on providing elevated service, the Celebrity Xcel stands as the flagship of the fleet, offering seven new spaces that promise to redefine the cruising experience. These new areas and amenities are carefully designed to enhance the comfort, relaxation, and enjoyment of passengers, ensuring that every part of the ship delivers an extraordinary experience.

Laura highlights that, although Celebrity Cruises is known for its exceptional service across its entire fleet, the Celebrity Xcel is a significant step forward. The vessel is not just a cruise ship but a floating paradise that redefines what it means to embark on a luxury cruise.

An Immersive Experience: Bringing the Destination Onboard

One of the most unique aspects of the Celebrity Xcel is its immersive approach to showcasing the destinations it visits. Laura Bethge pointed out that the ship has a special “bazaar,” a vibrant space that integrates the authenticity of the destination into the cruise experience. Passengers are treated to a blend of food, drink, retail experiences, entertainment, and music, all inspired by the local culture of the places the ship visits.

The bazaar is more than just a market space; it is an opportunity for passengers to connect with the destinations on a deeper level, even while at sea. This authentic experience allows travelers to carry a piece of the destination with them as they sail, enhancing the cultural richness of their cruise journey.

Cultural Immersion: Tropical Origami Classes and More

In addition to its innovative amenities, the Celebrity Xcel offers a range of cultural experiences that allow passengers to engage with the local culture of the destinations the ship visits. One such experience is a tropical origami class, where passengers can learn how to create hummingbirds, which are Jamaica’s national bird. These activities are designed to foster a deeper connection between travelers and the places they explore, making the cruise not only a relaxing getaway but also an educational and cultural experience.

For passengers like Katie Brown, who is new to cruising, the Celebrity Xcel’s unique approach to cultural immersion is one of the standout features. She found herself captivated by the classes, as well as the overall atmosphere that blended luxury with authentic cultural expression.

Breathtaking Views and Endless Activities

Beyond the immersive experiences and top-tier amenities, one of the most memorable aspects of the Celebrity Xcel is the breathtaking views it offers. Katie Brown, after spending a day exploring the ship’s many activities, found solace in watching the sunset over the water. With the vast ocean stretching out before her, she experienced a sense of peace and relaxation that only a cruise like the Celebrity Xcel can provide.

The ship offers countless activities to keep passengers entertained, from onboard dining experiences to live performances, fitness centers, spas, and more. There is no shortage of things to do, making it easy for passengers to enjoy the voyage at their own pace. Whether they are indulging in gourmet meals, relaxing at the spa, or simply enjoying the scenic vistas, the Celebrity Xcel provides endless opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment.

The Future of Luxury Cruises: Celebrity Xcel Leads the Way

As the Celebrity Xcel continues its voyages, it stands as a testament to the future of luxury cruising. The ship is a shining example of what is possible when cutting-edge technology, luxury design, and personalized service come together. For those seeking an unparalleled cruise experience, the Celebrity Xcel offers an opportunity to travel in style, comfort, and sophistication.

Celebrity Cruises has long been known for its high standards of service and luxury, and the Celebrity Xcel is setting new benchmarks for the industry. With its innovative amenities, immersive experiences, and unmatched luxury, this flagship vessel is sure to become a sought-after destination for cruise enthusiasts worldwide.