Cruise News: Celebrity Xcel Celebrates Christening Ceremony and Officially Enters the World of Cruising

Celebrity Xcel has recently arrived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where her monumental christening ceremony took place. The program commenced during the golden hour, a truly picturesque moment for celebrating such a remarkable milestone, with spectacular performances and live music taking centre stage in the expansive pool deck. A local rabbi and bishop gave their blessings, followed by a speech from Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge. 

The appointed Godmother for Xcel is the renowned Brazilian chef Janaína Torres, who performed the time-honoured tradition of breaking the champagne bottle across the bow, marking the ship’s official launch. Named Best Female Chef in the World of 2024 by World’s 50 Best, Torres embodies the brand’s mission to champion and share global culture through accessible, unique, and best-in-class culinary experiences. 

The brand-new ship highlights include: The Bazaar, a multi-deck and multi-sensory that delivers immersive, destination-inspired entertainment and dining concepts; BORA, an open-air restaurant nestled in the Rooftop Garden, which brings Mediterranean flavours and romantic ambience at sea; the Celebrity Pool Club, which offers endless ways to chill and unwind; the adults-only Attic at The Club, where games and entertainment last all day long; the first-ever Celebrity Flagship, which doubles as a museum and shopping store for the ultimate retail and art therapy; and The Spa, priding itself as Celebrity’s most expansive spa yet!  

Aiming to exceed guests expectations in every imaginable way, Celebrity Xcel is shaped through the innovative Xcel ‘Dream Makers’ Program – where guests were given the rare opportunity to partake in finalising the features on board this  revolutionary vessel, plus an exclusive chance to experience the ship personally! 

Guests can also continue enjoying an array of brand signature features, including The Solarium, an adults-only oasis where relaxation and sophistication meet, as well as the Magic Carpet – the world's first cantilevered, floating platform at sea! And for ultra-exclusive and luxury perfected stays, The Retreat invites guests with the most sumptuous sanctuary at sea on the ship’s top deck – complete with well-appointed suites, private restaurant, lounge, sundeck and dedicated butler!

Celebrity Xcel officially makes her dazzling debut in the Caribbean, with itineraries sailing to The Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, St. Maarten and beyond. And for her summer cruises 2026, she will embark on her inaugural season to Europe, calling at some of the most enchanting ports in the Mediterranean.

Thoughtfully curated to create a happy place for holidaymakers around the world, Celebrity Xcel’s grand entrance sets a new standard with first-at-sea experiences, bow-to-stern elegance, and signature hospitality – this next-generation ship truly lives up to its name and stands as a class of its own! 

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