It’s cruising season in Australia, and the world’s most impressive ships are set to anchor off its shores this summer. Australians’ enthusiasm for cruising is undeniable: last year, over 1.32 million Aussies embarked on cruises, making the country the fourth-largest passenger source market globally.
Celebrity Cruises is determined to change the perception of cruising, and it’s succeeding. Staterooms on the Celebrity Edge, stationed in Sydney until April 2026, have been booked swiftly for voyages to New Zealand, the South Pacific, and Queensland. Later this month, the Celebrity Xcel will make its debut as the fifth and most advanced ship in the Edge series, boasting innovative design, entertainment, and dining.
The Ship as a Destination
Ships are increasingly becoming destinations themselves. In August, during a hard-hat tour of the Celebrity Xcel, still under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, it was evident how the line between the ship and its destinations is blurring.
With a capacity for 3,260 passengers, Celebrity Xcel will be homeported in Florida until April 2026, offering voyages to Mexico and the Caribbean. It will then reposition to Europe for a summer season in the Mediterranean.
Onboard, The Bazaar, a multi-level, multi-sensory venue, will host three destination-based festivals per seven-night cruise. Caribbean sailings will feature rum drinks, seafood, Carnival dancers, and the spirited sounds of the Dominican Republic. Guests can enjoy authentic music, locally sourced market wares, and cooking classes, connecting with ports in a novel way.
“Bad weather in Cozumel? No problem. Enjoy the Viva Festival onboard, celebrating Mexico’s traditions with tequila-based cocktails, live music, and zesty bites.”
Innovative Design and Features
Celebrity Cruises’ Edge-class ships have been at the forefront of innovation since the launch of Celebrity Edge in 2018. Designed using 3D-VR technology, Celebrity Edge introduced an outward-facing design, replacing the traditional steel exoskeleton with an internal endoskeleton. This allowed for expansive, light-filled spaces and floor-to-ceiling glass windows, enhancing the connection to the ocean.
The Magic Carpet, a cantilevered deck that moves between horizontal positions, is a standout feature. This 90-ton, tennis court-sized venue transforms throughout the day, offering spectacular, unobstructed views.
Three more ships have joined the Edge series: Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, and Celebrity Ascent, all featuring the Magic Carpet. Recently, aboard Celebrity Ascent, passengers enjoyed sunny views of Mallorca from the Magic Carpet, illustrating the ship’s immersive design.
Continuing Evolution
Transformational design often prompts the question of why it wasn’t thought of sooner. On Celebrity Xcel, guests will find sleek staterooms with infinite verandas, where floor-to-ceiling windows transform into airy balconies at the touch of a button.
The Retreat, an exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept, returns with private dining in Luminae restaurant and a pool deck for Retreat keycard holders. Familiar attractions include a high-energy atrium bar and the adults-only Solarium.
“Celebrity Cruises’ president, Laura Hodges Bethge, promises that the ship’s seven new spaces and multi-sensory experiences will ‘xcel’ and change the cruising game.”
Looking Ahead
New features on Celebrity Xcel include Bora, an alfresco brunch restaurant with an over-the-top Bloody Mary bar, and a thalassotherapy pool in the spa. The Poolest Day Ever, a grown-up pool party, will cap off every sailing.
Cruisers can anticipate new theatre and club shows, candlelit concerts, and performances by Celebrity’s largest cast of acrobats, parkour experts, singers, and dancers.
As Celebrity Cruises continues to innovate, the future of cruising looks bright. The sixth Edge series ship, Celebrity Xcite, is scheduled for delivery in 2028, promising even more groundbreaking features.
