Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises
If there’s one thing my husband and I have agreed on for the past 45 years of marriage, it’s that cruising is the best way to travel. No airports to run through, no packing and unpacking at every stop, no endless hours behind the wheel — just pure, effortless fun, gorgeous destinations, and time together where the only “work” we have to do is decide where to eat dinner.
And now, Celebrity Cruises has gone and made it even more exciting: yesterday, they unveiled the incredible new features coming to their next ship, Celebrity Xcel, and I can barely contain my excitement!
They’re calling it “Date Night, All Day Long,” and honestly, after hearing all the details, I can already picture us strolling hand-in-hand under the stars, dancing at themed parties, indulging in boozy brunches, and soaking up every ounce of romance at sea. Even after four and a half decades together, cruising keeps our spark alive — and Celebrity Xcel sounds like it’s tailor-made for couples like us.
An Easy Way to Reconnect
Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises
When we first started cruising, it was mostly about the convenience. With busy careers, kids to raise, and later grandkids to spoil (hi, Jack!), hopping on a ship where everything was planned for us was a dream. But over the years, we realized something even more valuable: cruising gave us back “us” time.
Away from the everyday distractions, we find ourselves laughing more, trying new things together, and having those long, lazy conversations that daily life can sometimes push aside. Every cruise feels like a second honeymoon, and from what Celebrity has shared about the Xcel, it looks like they’ve completely embraced that idea.
Meet Bora: The New Al Fresco Dining Dream
Shakshuka (one of my favorite meals) at Bora Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises
One of the things I’m most excited about is Bora, the new rooftop restaurant concept. Celebrity has always done a fantastic job with their dining experiences (we still talk about that lamb shank we had on Celebrity Edge two years ago!), but Bora sounds like it’s taking things to a whole new level.
Picture this: a seafood-forward Mediterranean brunch with panoramic ocean views, live musicians strolling through the tables playing energetic hits, and the best Bloody Mary bar at sea — complete with over-the-top garnishes. Yes, please!
I can already see my husband raising his glass with a grin, a crazy-looking Bloody Mary in hand, and me snapping a million photos of the food before I let him dig in. (Guilty — but how could I resist when they’re serving croissant eggs benedict with lemon-scented salmon gravlax?)
And then at night, Bora transforms. Tableside chef experiences, intimate dinners, the sounds of Greek ballads and Italian love songs floating through the air, and twinkling stars overhead… If that doesn’t spell romance, I don’t know what does.
Honestly, we might just eat every meal there if they’ll let us (bring on the stretchy pants).
Entertainment That Keeps the Party Going
Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises
I love a good show at sea — there’s just something magical about sitting back with a glass of wine and letting world-class performers sweep you away. And Celebrity Xcel isn’t pulling any punches here.
They’re introducing three brand-new theatre shows crafted by creative visionaries from the worlds of film, TV, and concert tours. Plus, they’re building their biggest Theatre cast yet, complete with singers, dancers, specialty performers, and even parkour artists! I can already imagine the look on my husband’s face when someone somersaults over the audience — he’s the king of clapping louder than anyone else when he’s impressed.
The technology they’re talking about sounds amazing, too: kinetic lighting, lasers, and a giant LED screen to make the shows totally immersive. It’s not just entertainment — it’s an experience.
And then there’s The Club with its new interactive shows that transport you to another era. Honestly, I love the idea of stepping back in time for an evening. Maybe we’ll dance to 80’s hits one night (my teased hair would have been legendary back then), or sway to country tunes during their elevated country music night.
Plus, the idea of a candlelit concert — just the two of us, a few drinks, and soft music under a sky full of stars — might be my favorite part of all.
Endless Ways to “Date Night” Your Day
Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Xcel isn’t just about shows and dinners, though — they’re offering a full day of “date night” experiences. From premium wine pairings and exclusive Macallan whiskey tastings to chef-led galley tours and destination-inspired cooking classes, there’s so much to do together.
One of the best things about cruising is trying new things side-by-side, whether it’s learning how to make the perfect mojito or discovering our new favorite red wine. (Spoiler: I usually find several new favorites.)
And it doesn’t stop there. Xcel is planning multiple dance parties, including an ’80s glitz and glam night that’s practically begging me to break out my old disco moves. And after a day full of adventures, there’s Shine the Night — a party under the stars where we can dance like we’re 20 again.
Become a Dream Maker
Another fun twist: Celebrity is inviting cruisers to help shape the Xcel experience before she even sets sail. As a part of their Dream Makers community, you can test, try, and vote on new experiences — even helping decide the first headline performer in The Theatre!
I think that’s such a smart idea. It feels like they’re building this ship with us in mind, not just for us. And if my husband has any say, you can bet there will be plenty of classic rock ballads on that setlist.
New Destinations, New Memories
Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Xcel’s inaugural season will sail out of Fort Lauderdale starting in November 2025, offering seven-night itineraries around the Bahamas, Mexico, and the Cayman Islands, among others. Later, in summer 2026, she’s heading to Europe, with Mediterranean voyages out of Barcelona and Athens (hello, bucket list!).
As much as we love the Caribbean (those turquoise waters never get old), I have to admit — the idea of sipping wine in Madeira or strolling hand-in-hand through the winding streets of Mykonos is awfully tempting.
Maybe a European anniversary cruise? I’m already plotting…
Why Cruising Keeps the Spark Alive
People often ask how we’ve kept the romance alive after so many years, and honestly, cruising has been a big part of it. There’s something about waking up in a new place, exploring together, and sharing everything, from sunrises at sea to decadent dinners, that brings you closer.
Celebrity Xcel feels like it was designed to make those moments even more special. It’s not just another ship; it’s a floating love letter to couples who know that adventure, laughter, and good food are the best ways to keep the flame burning bright.
We’re counting down the days until we step onboard, glasses clinking, hearts full, ready to make even more memories, because after all, there’s no such thing as too many love stories. Especially when they’re still being written at sea.
- Why not get a head start on romance and book today at Celebrity Cruises
