Inside Celebrity Xcel: A Weekend That Raised the Bar on “Premium”

Attending the Celebrity Xcel naming ceremony this past weekend was one of those “pinch me” moments in my career. It wasn’t just an invitation to see a new ship; it was a front-row seat to what feels like the next evolution of premium cruising. In just two days onboard, Celebrity didn’t simply introduce Xcel—they showed us exactly how serious they are about design, service, and experiences that feel anything but ordinary.

A Naming Ceremony That Felt Like a Show (Because It Was)

As the sun started to set over Fort Lauderdale, you could feel the energy shift on deck. There was this buzz—part anticipation, part “we’re all part of something big here.”

Chef Janaina Torres, Xcel’s godmother, was the perfect embodiment of what Celebrity does so well: authenticity, warmth, and a deep love for food and culture. Her presence didn’t feel like a corporate checkbox; it felt aligned with what you actually experience onboard—culinary storytelling, not just “nice meals.”

The ceremony itself blended maritime tradition with Celebrity’s signature flair:

• A moving blessing from interfaith leaders
• The St Andrews Pipe Band filling the air with that unmistakable, emotional sound
• Resident entertainers and performance artists weaving through the crowd so that at times, you weren’t sure if you were watching the show or in it

That’s the thing about Celebrity: they don’t confine entertainment to a stage. They let it spill into the ship, into the walkways, into the in-between moments. It’s immersive in a way that feels intentional, not overwhelming.

Spaces That Feel Designed, Not Just Decorated

Celebrity Xcel, the newest in the Edge Series, doesn’t try to reinvent everything—it refines, elevates, and adds some smart surprises.

A few standouts from my time onboard:

• The Bazaar & Mosaic
  These spaces bring a fresh energy to the culinary lineup, with Mediterranean and regionally inspired options that feel modern and inviting, not stuffy. It’s the kind of place where you can wander, discover, and graze your way through flavors instead of just “going to dinner.”

• The Pool Club
  Reimagined with more private cabanas, expanded lounging, and pool valets who seem to appear right when you’re thinking, “I could use a drink or a towel.” It genuinely feels like a resort at sea—space to breathe, relax, and people-watch without feeling packed in.

• Hydra Room & Vitamin D Deck
  These wellness-focused spaces are a reminder that “vacation mode” now includes recovery, relaxation, and a little reset. They’re designed for guests who want more than just a lounger and a view—they want a place to exhale.

• Infinite Veranda Staterooms
  I’ve seen the pictures; being inside one is different. The way the space opens to the ocean with the touch of a button is one of those “oh… this is smart” moments. It’s a subtle but powerful reminder that design and tech can work together to make a cabin feel bigger than its square footage.

And then there’s the entertainment. It’s not just “big show at 8 p.m.” It’s activations in public spaces, interactive performances, and a variety of venues that keep the ship feeling alive at almost every hour.

The Retreat: Where the “Premium” Really Shows

We talk a lot at WorldVia about “ship-within-a-ship” concepts, and The Retreat is one of the strongest examples in the industry. Advisors in our network consistently tell us that once clients experience The Retreat, it’s hard to go back.

What stood out to me:

• Luminae, the private restaurant, feels like a place you’d choose on land, not just “the suite restaurant.”
• The Retreat Lounge and Sundeck are calm, curated, and service-forward—staff who remember your preferences and make you feel like a regular in just a couple of days.
• Suites that don’t just add space, but add a feeling: upgraded amenities, thoughtful tech, and those “you didn’t have to, but you did” touches.

If you’re working with clients who want a premium experience without jumping to an ultra-luxury price point, The Retreat is a very compelling conversation.

About That “Secret Spot”…

Now, let’s talk about one of my favorite moments onboard.

At one point during the weekend, a friend pulled me aside and said, “Come with me—I want to show you something.” We walked. We turned. We went through spaces that, if I’m honest, I couldn’t retrace for you today if I tried. And then suddenly, we were there.

The best way I can describe it? It felt like stepping into a Time Machine and landing in the 1920s. One moment you’re on a modern ship, the next you’re wrapped in rich textures, moody lighting, and a speakeasy atmosphere that feels delightfully out of time. There’s even a true “Time Machine” moment built into the experience that makes the transition feel intentional and a little bit magical.

I’m not going to tell you exactly where “there” was. Let’s just say it has speakeasy energy—the kind of place that feels like it exists slightly off the map. The kind of spot you don’t find—you’re brought to.

I can’t explain how we got there. I’m not entirely sure I could find it again without a guide. But that’s the point. Some experiences are meant to feel like a secret. Like you have to know someone to know about it. And Celebrity leans into that sense of discovery in a way that makes the ship feel less like a floating hotel and more like a living, breathing destination.

What This Means for Travel Advisors

From a travel advisor perspective, Celebrity Xcel is more than “the new ship.” It’s a talking point, a differentiator, and a tool.

Here’s how you can leverage it:

• For premium clients who want design, service, and story: Xcel gives you concrete examples to share—The Retreat, Infinite Verandas, The Bazaar, wellness spaces, and that sense of discovery.
• For clients who want experiences, not just itineraries: Talk about the way Celebrity fills the ship with live performances, surprise moments, and spaces that feel thoughtfully curated.
• For your own brand: Use Xcel as proof that you’re paying attention to what’s new, what’s next, and what’s worth your clients’ time and money.

Your clients want you to know what’s best for them. When you confidently recommend something like Celebrity Xcel—and it delivers—they don’t just trust Celebrity more. They trust you more. That’s how you increase CLV (Customer Lifetime Value): by being the advisor who connects them to the right experience at the right time, again and again.

Your Next Move as an Advisor

If you want to deepen your Celebrity expertise and position yourself as the go-to for this kind of premium experience, start here:

• Explore the tools and training at thecelebritycommitment.com
• Build a few “Xcel-ready” client profiles in your mind (or on paper): Who is this ship perfect for in your book of business?
• Start telling the story—not just of the ship, but of the feeling onboard: the way the spaces flow, the energy at night, The Retreat, the wellness decks, and yes, even that secret spot you only hear about if you know someone.

Because at the end of the day, ships come and go. But the advisor who can say, “I’ve been there, I’ve seen it, and I know exactly who this is right for”—that’s the advisor clients keep coming back to.