What to expect on board the new Celebrity Xcel

The final sea day of each Caribbean itinerary will witness the Poolest Day Ever, with live music and DJs bringing island party vibes onboard, alongside games, entertainment and bespoke drinks, such as fresh coconuts served with a splash of rum. 

From guided meditation poolside to dance class actually in the pool, anything goes on the Poolest Day Ever, and probably will.

Aimed at adult guests who love games, Attic at The Club will open 24/7 and feature a selection of retro arcade games like Pac-Man. 

Guests can also play traditional bar sports like pool, darts, foosball and shuffleboard, or book private area The Annex and sing karaoke like no-one’s listening or try virtual sports like baseball and golf on high-tech simulators.

Al fresco Mediterranean restaurant Bora aims to take ‘brunch through the roof’, which could be a challenge impressing brunch aficionados from the Middle East. With stunning sea views from the top of the ship and a Bloody Mary bar, this is a place to see and be seen. 

After sunset, the restaurant offers a refined dinner service with elevated cocktails and dishes prepared tableside, perfect for romantic suppers or family gatherings.

Also new on Celebrity Xcel is the line’s biggest spa to date, complete with the brand’s first Hydra Room – with water-inspired wellness experiences for body and mind – which forms part of the SEA Thermal Suite. Think warm pool with massaging jets and heated lounge chairs. 

Spa goers can also soak up the sun on the new Vitamin D Deck, and choose from more than 120 treatments, therapies and experiences, while the expanded salon includes a bubbles’ bar.

Blurring the line between ship and shore, The Bazaar has an ever-changing roster of experiences that bring destinations to three decks, offering the sights, sounds, culture and flavours of the places the ship visits. 

On sea days, Market at The Bazaar features local artisans showcasing their crafts and even hosting workshops with guests.

The Bazaar will also include open kitchen concept Mosaic, an industry-first Chef’s Table experience serving a multi-course tasting menu covering all continents, and Chef’s Studio, the cruise line’s first destination-inspired cooking school. 

Celebrity Xcel The-Bazaar

The Bazaar will be inspired by four Caribbean festivals and immerse guests in local cuisine, dance classes and musical performances.

Another first on Celebrity Xcel is an interactive exhibition charting the history of the cruise line, complete with the ultimate gift shop experience. Celebrity Flagship will allow guests to learn more about the history of the brand with fun facts and trivia on interactive screens and also have a selection of customisable collectables – from caps to cocktail kits – to continue the Celebrity treatment at home.

One more new experience is currently still under wraps, simply listed on the Celebrity website as IYKYK (an acronym for ‘if you know, you know’) and due to be unveiled on the maiden voyage. Watch this space…

To book Celebrity Cruises sailings, call UAE +971 4 331 4299, KSA 800 897 1419, email book@rccl.ae or visit www.celebritycruises.ae