Celebrity Xcel is officially here, and after spending five nights onboard for her maiden voyage, I can confidently say she brings something genuinely fresh to the cruise industry. As someone who has sailed Royal Caribbean more than any other brand—from older ships like Freedom of the Seas all the way up to Icon of the Seas—I wasn’t sure how Celebrity Cruises would compare. This was my first Celebrity sailing and my first time experiencing an Edge Class ship, and it took less than 48 hours onboard for me to understand why so many seasoned cruisers say Edge Class is in a league of its own. I sailed with my wife, Scotti, and our friend Jeremy (The Cruising Bear), and together we explored as much of the ship as we could. If you’re wondering whether Celebrity Xcel lives up to the hype and whether it’s worth booking, here’s my honest review.
Embarkation & First Impressions of Celebrity Xcel
We flew into Fort Lauderdale a few days before the cruise and stayed near the beach, which made embarkation day stress-free. With expedited check-in through the Celebrity app, we boarded faster than almost any cruise we’ve done, and the moment we stepped into the Grand Plaza and Martini Bar, it was clear we weren’t on a typical mega-ship. Elegant lighting, modern architecture, and open layouts made the ship feel upscale without being pretentious. While Royal often leans toward bright colors and high-energy arrivals, Celebrity sets a different tone—more boutique resort than floating theme park.
Exploring the Pool Deck, Sunset Bar & Rooftop Garden
The outdoor spaces are where Celebrity Xcel’s design philosophy really shines. The Sunset Bar became our go-to for sail away and pre-dinner cocktails, offering sweeping aft views, live acoustic sets, and a relaxed vibe—an experience closer to a rooftop lounge in Miami or Fort Lauderdale than a traditional pool bar. The Rooftop Garden and plunge pools offered quiet areas for reading and lounging, and even during sea days the main pool deck didn’t feel overwhelmed. Edge Class clearly targets adult cruisers and couples rather than families seeking water parks and thrill rides.
The Magic Carpet & Solarium
The Magic Carpet exceeded expectations, whether positioned mid-ship or down near the waterline. It’s one of the most unique outdoor spaces at sea, offering incredible ocean views with comfortable seating and bar service, and the Solarium added another layer of relaxation with temperature control and abundant natural light. Spa lovers will appreciate the upgraded thermal suite and wellness spaces onboard.
The Bazaar — Spice & Mosaic
One of my favorite areas onboard the Celebrity Xcel was The Bazaar on Deck 7. It blends dining, shopping, and entertainment and feels more thoughtfully curated than a standard promenade. Spice became our favorite lunch venue with customized bowls and açai options that beat the buffet by a mile, while Mosaic served what I would call the best crab cake of the cruise—something I’d expect to find in a specialty restaurant. Between the food, shops, and live entertainment moments throughout the day, the Bazaar adds a fresh concept to the Edge Class lineup.
The Speakeasy — A Hidden Bar Unlike Anything on Royal Caribbean
The speakeasy onboard was unlike anything I’ve seen at sea. There’s no signage, phones aren’t allowed, and you only get one hour inside before the venue resets for the next group. Different entertainment each night—magicians, jazz musicians, mock police raids, and immersive bartending—meant every visit felt fresh. For cruisers who enjoy mixology bars and unique nightlife concepts, this alone makes Xcel worth experiencing.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Entertainment leaned more artistic than high-energy. Live musicians at the Martini Bar and Sunset Bar created ambiance rather than sing-along crowds, and the theater delivered visually impressive production shows using LED screens and aerial elements. While Celebrity Xcel doesn’t try to mimic the pub or karaoke energy you’d find on Royal, it does deliver elevated cocktails, atmospheric music, and cabaret-style shows perfect for adults and couples.
Infinite Veranda Stateroom Review
We booked an Infinite Veranda stateroom and loved it. The room felt more spacious than a standard balcony cabin, and the ability to open or close the veranda let us enjoy ocean views without dealing with strong wind. The blackout curtains made the room dark enough to sleep in, and the extra seating area was perfect for morning coffee or sail away.
Ports of Call — Bimini & Cozumel
We stopped in Bimini and Cozumel. Bimini offered beautiful beaches, but with food and drinks not included at the Resorts World beach club, we chose to spend more time enjoying the ship’s dining and amenities. In Cozumel, we booked a salsa-making and tequila tasting excursion that turned out to be a highlight and something we’d absolutely do again.
Final Thoughts — Who Celebrity Xcel Is Best For
Celebrity Xcel doesn’t try to compete with Icon of the Seas or Utopia of the Seas. Instead, it offers elevated dining concepts, refined bar spaces, adult-focused pool areas, upscale décor, and innovative areas like The Bazaar. If you value atmosphere, design, and service over thrill rides and water parks, Xcel delivers one of the best cruise experiences at sea. We’re already planning our next Edge Class sailing—and that should tell you everything.
We’re already starting to release our first Vlogs from this cruise, so make sure you’re subscribed and following along on YouTube to see our experiences first hand!
Thinking About Booking Celebrity Xcel?
If you want help comparing Celebrity vs Royal Caribbean, choosing the right Edge Class ship, or securing group rates that often include drinks & Wi-Fi, text us anytime at 704-313-8556 or submit a booking inquiry through our website. We’d love to help you plan your next Celebrity cruise vacation.