Celebrity Xcel Sails Through Sea Trials
by Bruce Parkinson
Celebrity Xcel will introduce a brand new pool club.
Celebrity Cruises’ latest ship Celebrity Xcel successfully completed its first ocean sailing last week.
Helmed by Captain ‘Kirk’ Kyriakos Matragkas, Celebrity Xcel completed a series of maneuverability skills designed to test the ship’s functional and operational capabilities near the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France – where the ship has been under construction.
After completing its sea trials, Celebrity Xcel is set to welcome guests for inaugural sailings in November.
The fifth ship in Celebrity Cruises’ revolutionary Edge Series ships, Celebrity Xcel promises the best of that series of ships, while introducing several new venues including an enhanced poolside space, an arcade lounge under neon lights, and new spa experiences.
Celebrity Xcel will sail her inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale, offering seven-night itineraries alternating between The Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, and Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.
In Summer 2026, Celebrity Xcel will set sail on her inaugural European season where guests can immerse themselves in the Mediterranean on seven-to 11-night journeys out of Barcelona and Athens, including new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.
