If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you already know: I’m a Celebrity Cruises superfan. My husband and I have three Celebrity cruises booked between now and the end of the year (and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a 4th 0 and trust me, I don’t just cruise with anyone. Celebrity’s blend of luxury, style, and “I didn’t know I needed that” innovation always hits the sweet spot.
So when they announced four dazzling new venues coming to their newest ship, Celebrity Xcel, I was already halfway packed. These aren’t just updates; they’re full-on experiences designed to make your sea days every bit as exciting as your time in port. If you’re like me and travel for the ambiance, the escape, and yes, the poolside cocktails with ocean views, here’s everything you’ll want to know about the shiny new escapes debuting on Celebrity Xcel.
1. Poolside Goes VIP with the All-New Celebrity Pool Club
Move over, ordinary pool decks. Celebrity Xcel’s Celebrity Pool Club is turning up the glam in a big way. We’re talking pool valets offering chilled towels, sunscreen, card games, and even personal item storage—so all you have to do is lounge in style.
Want to take it to the next level? Book one of the enhanced private cabanas with full service and soak up that “this is the life” feeling. And because Celebrity never misses a moment to make things extra, there’s also a full-day celebration on the last sea day of each Caribbean itinerary called The Poolest Day EverSM. Caribbean vibes, DJ sets, fun games, and cocktails served in mini Patron bottles or fresh coconuts (yes, with rum if you choose)—sign me up!
And when the sun goes down, you’re invited to Shine the Night, a new kind of poolside party with elevated bites and even better drinks. This is how you do sea day magic.
2. Game Night Just Got a Glow-Up at Attic at The Club
Whether you’re a nostalgic Pac-Man junkie or just love a good game of foosball, the new Attic at The Club is a 24/7 arcade-meets-lounge dripping in neon vibes and retro cool. It’s adults-only, fabulously fun, and open all day and night for impromptu dance-offs, darts, shuffleboard, and retro favorites like NBA Showtime and Golden Tee.
Feeling extra social? You can book a private event space for karaoke, golf simulation, or game night with your travel crew. I’ve got my eye on the karaoke mic—because honestly, what better way to embarrass your husband at sea?
3. Wellness Takes the Spotlight at the Most Expansive Spa Yet
I’m no stranger to spa days onboard, and Celebrity’s spas are already among my favorite anywhere (my last cruise was in AquaClass and I’ve got another one booked in November with all of the spa goodies). But The Spa on Celebrity Xcel? Let’s just say it’s my dream wellness retreat at sea.
New to the lineup is the Hydra RoomSM, a bubbling, jet-massaging pool paired with heated loungers. Think deep relaxation, floating serenity, and every excuse to escape for “me time.” The Vitamin D DeckSM, exclusive to Thermal Suite guests, is your sunny escape with front-of-ship ocean views and chic loungers, plus complimentary non-alcoholic drinks so you stay refreshed as you recharge.
And that’s just the beginning. The spa will offer over 120 luxe treatments and therapies, a brand-new Bubbles Bar in the expanded salon (yes, champagne and blowouts do go hand-in-hand), and even an interactive Skin Lab that analyzes your complexion and recommends customized skincare you can take home. I might just move in.
4. Shop the Experience at the First-Ever Celebrity Flagship Store
You know I love a good boutique, but Celebrity Flagship isn’t your typical at-sea souvenir stop. This first-of-its-kind concept is a retail-meets-interactive exhibit celebrating Celebrity’s iconic history and eye for innovation.
Touchscreens, vintage artifacts, trivia, and custom mementos—it’s part museum, part shopping haven. You can even personalize your own robe, cap, water bottle, or cocktail kit, making it the ultimate memory-maker. And yes, this store will have exclusive Celebrity merch you won’t find anywhere else.
More to Love: The Journey Continues
While these are just four of the new spaces debuting on Celebrity Xcel, they’re part of a bigger, bolder refresh across the ship that includes:
-
Bora, a Mediterranean al fresco restaurant I’ll be lining up for
-
The Bazaar, a one-of-a-kind immersive experience that blurs the line between ship and shore
-
Celebrity’s largest-ever entertainment lineup (yes, more shows, more talent, more WOW)
And for those of us who love a little say in our sailings, Celebrity is inviting YOU to be a Dream Maker. Join their online community to vote on new experiences, pick retro games for Attic at The Club, and even help select which vintage memorabilia gets featured in the Flagship store. (You can sign up at dreammakers.celebritycruises.com — I already did.)
Where to Sail (and When You Can Join Me!)
Starting this November, Celebrity Xcel sets sail from Fort Lauderdale on 7-night itineraries to some of my favorite spots—The Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, St. Maarten, Puerto Plata, and more. Then, in Summer 2026, she’s heading to the Mediterranean with sailings out of Barcelona and Athens, plus dreamy overnights in Madeira (can you say wine and sunset walks?).
I’ll be watching the calendar like a hawk—and probably adding more cruises FOR SURE (it’s the only way that I can get Mr. S to travel, so I make sure we’re at sea often).
Why Celebrity Xcel is My Next Must-Do
Luxury, innovation, and a whole lot of play? Celebrity Xcel is shaping up to be more than just a cruise; it’s a full-on floating resort experience built for travelers like us. Travelers who crave great design, memorable dining, a little pampering, and maybe a cheeky game of Pac-Man at midnight.
With these new spaces, Celebrity isn’t just keeping up—they’re leading the way in what modern cruising looks like. And I, for one, can’t wait to step onboard.
So if you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to sail on the next level of luxury, Celebrity Xcel might just be calling your name.
And who knows… maybe I’ll see you poolside for the Poolest Day Ever – coconut cocktail in hand.
- For more information and to book a sailing with Celebrity Cruises, visit www.celebrity.com, call Celebrity Cruises on 1-800-CELEBRITY or contact a trusted travel advisor.
