Celebrity Cruises has announced an exciting new concept for its upcoming ship, Celebrity Xcel, with the introduction of ‘The Bazaar’.
This will be a multi-level, ever-evolving space designed to immerse guests in the cultures of their destinations through food, entertainment, and unique onboard experiences.
This one-of-a-kind venue will be the heart of the ship, transforming daily to reflect the regions guests are visiting.
Inspired by iconic festivals, The Bazaar will blend authentic cultural experiences with modern cruising, offering guests the opportunity to explore destinations in an entirely new way.
“The Bazaar is a truly one-of-a-kind space designed to seamlessly blend ship and shore and transform the way guests experience destinations. Celebrity Xcel intentionally extends the destination experience onboard through a continued authentic offering between ports of call, allowing guests to take the destination with them.”
Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge,
Four unique Caribbean-inspired festivals will be featured in The Bazaar, each celebrating a different port of call with locally influenced food, music, and activities.
From pop-up entertainment and live performances by local artists to craft workshops and culinary experiences, the venue will create a vibrant atmosphere that brings destinations to life.
When Celebrity Xcel transitions to Europe in 2026, The Bazaar will adapt to feature Mediterranean-themed festivals and marketplaces.
On sea days, Market at The Bazaar will allow guests to take home a piece of their travels, showcasing handcrafted goods and artisan experiences.
Passengers can interact with local craftspeople, learn traditional skills such as basket weaving, and purchase unique souvenirs, from embroidered textiles to handcrafted leather goods.
The rotating selection ensures that each visit to the market offers something fresh and reflective of the sailing’s itinerary.
For food lovers, the ship will introduce Mosaic, an open kitchen concept serving up regional delicacies inspired by the destinations visited during each voyage.
This dining experience will go beyond simply offering local flavours – it will provide an immersive cultural journey through food.
Additionally, an exclusive Chef’s Table experience will showcase dishes created by Celebrity’s global culinary team, each inspired by their native cuisine and paired with award-winning wines.
Guests seeking a more hands-on approach can join Chef’s Studio at Mosaic, Celebrity’s first-ever destination-inspired cooking school, where they can learn to prepare signature regional dishes.
For a more casual dining experience, Spice will offer a rotating menu of small bites inspired by the ship’s ports of call.
Located along the water’s edge with floor-to-ceiling windows, this inviting café provides the perfect setting to enjoy spectacular views while sampling local flavours.
In an innovative move, Celebrity Cruises is inviting guests to play an active role in shaping the onboard experience through its Xcel ‘Dream Makers’ programme.
Travellers will have the opportunity to vote on key elements of The Bazaar, from festival themes to menu items, making this a truly guest-driven space. Those interested can register to participate at the Dream Makers website.
Celebrity Xcel will embark on its maiden season from Fort Lauderdale, offering seven-night itineraries that explore destinations such as the Bahamas, Mexico, Grand Cayman, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.
In summer 2026, the ship will reposition to Europe for Mediterranean voyages ranging from seven to eleven nights, including overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.
With The Bazaar at the heart of its offerings, Celebrity Xcel promises to redefine what it means to explore the world by sea.
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