My Review of Celebrity Xcel: High-Energy, Grown-Up Fun Done Right

Celebrity Xcel

Celebrity Xcel manages something that’s harder than it looks: it feels energizing without ever feeling chaotic.

From the moment I stepped onboard, the ship struck a balance that many newer ships aim for but don’t quite achieve- fun, modern, and social, but it rarely tips into feeling overwhelming. There’s movement, music, and energy, but still plenty of room to breathe.

Xcel feels confident in what it is. And that clarity comes through in every part of the experience.

Overall Vibe: Fun, Social, and Mature

If I had to sum up Celebrity Xcel in one line, it would be this: high-energy, but balanced.

The ship has a lively pulse, especially in its social spaces, but it rarely tips into anything that feels chaotic or overstimulating. Even on sea days, I never felt boxed in or rushed. There’s an ease to the flow that makes it feel social without feeling loud.

It reminded me of the adult fun you find on Royal Caribbean- but upscaled, more polished, and without the kid-centric attractions competing for space or attention.

Stateroom Experience: Spacious, Thoughtful... with One Caveat

I stayed in an Infinite Veranda stateroom, and overall, the space worked beautifully.

What stood out:

• The layout felt open and genuinely usable

• The bathroom was well designed and comfortable

• Storage and flow made the room feel larger than expected

The one downside for me was the bed- it was much firmer than I prefer. For travelers who like a very supportive mattress, this may not be an issue at all, but it’s worth noting, especially for longer sailings.

That said, the stateroom felt like a place you could truly settle into, not just crash between ports.

Dining: Relaxed, Well Executed, and Worth Planning Around

Dining onboard Celebrity Xcel leaned intentionally relaxed. This is not a ship where you want to schedule dinner tightly before a show... meals are meant to be enjoyed, not rushed. Leave yourself time and you’ll enjoy the experience much more.

Here’s how the venues landed for me:

• Le Petit Chef

  A standout experience. Playful in presentation, but the food absolutely delivers. The steak, in particular, was excellent—far better than you might expect from a themed dining experience.

• Cosmopolitan & Cypress

  Consistently solid and enjoyable. These felt like dining rooms you could return to multiple times without hesitation.

• Tuscan

  Not bad by any means, just not particularly memorable. Perfectly fine, but not a highlight.

• Bora (Brunch)

  This deserves special mention. Everything was excellent, and it was absolutely worth the upcharge. The quality, pacing, and overall experience felt elevated, and it stood out as one of the best meals onboard. If you enjoy a leisurely, indulgent brunch, Bora is an easy yes.

  
  

One small but meaningful detail: Café al Bacio offered gluten-free cakes or cookies every single day, which is a thoughtful touch for guests with dietary needs and something I noticed consistently.

Public Spaces & Flow: Easy, Open, and Well Managed

One of the most impressive aspects of Celebrity Xcel is how well it handles crowds—or rather, how well it avoids feeling crowded.

The ship rarely felt jammed, even during peak times. Movement between venues felt intuitive, and I never found myself avoiding spaces because they were too busy.

On sea days, I naturally gravitated toward:

• The Bazaar

• Outdoor deck areas

That said, the Bazaar itself is a bit of a mixed bag.

The Bazaar: Great Programming, Limited Space

The Bazaar is one of Xcel’s most interesting concepts, a cultural hub with live programming, performances, and events, but it simply doesn’t have the physical space to support how popular it is.

During cultural shows, seating fills quickly, and even standing room becomes scarce. The programming is strong and engaging; the space just doesn’t quite match the demand. It’s the one area where the ship’s design feels slightly mismatched to its success.

Entertainment: A True Standout

Entertainment on Celebrity Xcel is where the ship truly separates itself.

The production shows are stunning—not just visually impressive, but technically remarkable. The theater itself is at the absolute forefront of cruise ship design and technology. In fact, the cost of this single theater exceeded the cost of Celebrity’s entire first cruise ship, which puts the investment into perspective.

The onstage talent is top-notch, and the technology allows for immersive visuals, seamless transitions, and production quality that feels closer to a modern performance venue than a traditional cruise theater.

Beyond the main shows, the ship offers a variety of well-executed themed events:

• Shine the Night deck party

• A lively 70s disco night

• A fun, social country night

These events added to the ship’s energy without ever feeling forced. You could participate fully, or simply enjoy the atmosphere from the sidelines.

Who Celebrity Xcel Is Best For

Based on my experience, Celebrity Xcel is an excellent choice for:

• Couples

• Social travelers

• Families with teens or young adults

• Travelers who enjoy modern ships with energy, but not chaos

It’s especially appealing for people who want a fun, contemporary cruise experience without waterslides, roller coasters, or constant kid-focused programming.

Who Might Want Something Else

Xcel is not the best fit for:

• Party-first cruisers looking for late-night intensity

• Families with young children who want thrill rides and splash zones

This ship knows what it is... and just as importantly, what it isn’t.

My Final Take

Celebrity Xcel feels like a ship designed for people who enjoy being around energy but still value comfort, space, and balance.

It’s fun, polished, social, and modern, with genuinely impressive entertainment and dining experiences that reward travelers who slow down and enjoy them. While it’s not flawless (the Bazaar space and very firm mattresses are worth noting), the overall experience feels cohesive and thoughtfully executed.

For the right traveler, Celebrity Xcel hits a very satisfying sweet spot.

Considering Celebrity Xcel?

If you’re deciding whether Celebrity Xcel fits your travel style, or comparing it to other Celebrity ships or premium cruise lines, I’m happy to talk it through with you. Click here to schedule a quick call, or email greta@savvytraveldesign.com

The right ship makes all the difference.