It’s cruising season in Australia, and the world’s most impressive ships are setting sail towards its shores. Last year, over 1.32 million Australians embarked on cruises, making the nation the fourth-largest passenger source market globally. Among these maritime marvels, Celebrity Cruises is making waves with its innovative vessels, particularly the much-anticipated Celebrity Xcel, the latest addition to the Edge series.
Celebrity Xcel, set to debut later this month, promises to redefine the cruising experience with its state-of-the-art design and amenities. Based in Sydney until April 2026, Celebrity Edge has already seen its staterooms booked at a record pace for journeys to New Zealand, the South Pacific, and Queensland. The excitement surrounding Celebrity Xcel is palpable as it prepares to offer voyages from Florida to Mexico and the Caribbean, before repositioning to Europe for Mediterranean cruises.
Ships as Destinations
The concept of ships as destinations in their own right is becoming increasingly popular. During a recent tour of Celebrity Xcel at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, the blurring line between the ship and its destinations was evident. With a capacity of 3,260 passengers, the ship is designed to offer immersive experiences that connect guests with the cultures of the ports they visit.
One standout feature is The Bazaar, a multi-level venue that hosts destination-based festivals on each cruise. Caribbean sailings will feature rum drinks, seafood, and Carnival dancers, while the Viva Festival will celebrate Mexican traditions with tequila cocktails and live music. The sensory immersion is enhanced by a scent tunnel that spritzes destination-themed aromas, offering guests a preview of the locales they are about to explore.
Innovative Design and Features
Celebrity Cruises has a track record of innovation, beginning with the launch of Celebrity Edge in 2018. The ship was a revolutionary blueprint, designed using 3D-VR technology and featuring an outward-facing design that brought guests closer to the ocean. The Magic Carpet, a cantilevered deck that moves between different levels of the ship, offers spectacular views and transforms into various venues throughout the day.
Since then, the Edge series has expanded with Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, and Celebrity Ascent, all incorporating the Magic Carpet. These ships have set a new standard in cruising, blending cutting-edge technology with luxurious design. On Celebrity Xcel, guests can enjoy staterooms with infinite verandas, which transform into airy balconies with the touch of a button, and exclusive amenities like The Retreat, a private enclave for select guests.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Cruising
As Celebrity Xcel prepares to set sail, it brings with it a host of new features that promise to elevate the cruising experience. The ship introduces Bora, an alfresco brunch restaurant with an extravagant Bloody Mary bar that transforms into a Mediterranean dining venue by night. A new thalassotherapy pool in the spa and a high-energy pool party, Poolest Day Ever, are among the fresh offerings.
Entertainment on Celebrity Xcel will also reach new heights, with theatre and club shows, candlelit concerts, and performances by the largest cast of acrobats, singers, and dancers in Celebrity Cruises’ history. The ship is designed to cater to a diverse range of interests, from high-tech golf simulators to retro arcade games, ensuring that every guest finds something to enjoy.
As Celebrity Cruises continues to innovate, the industry eagerly anticipates what future ships will bring. The next vessel in the Edge series, Celebrity Xcite, is scheduled for delivery in 2028, promising to push the boundaries of cruising even further. With each new ship, Celebrity Cruises reaffirms its commitment to providing unforgettable experiences at sea.
