Celebrity Cruises Blurs the Lines Between Ship and Shore with ‘The Bazaar’ on Celebrity Xcel

If you’re craving a cruise experience that goes beyond the ordinary, Celebrity Cruises has something spectacular in store. Set to debut on the brand-new Celebrity Xcel, The Bazaar is an innovative, ever-changing space that promises to redefine how we experience destinations at sea. This multi-level, multi-sensory hub is designed to immerse guests in the cultures and traditions of the places they visit, all without stepping off the ship. A Festival of Senses Awaits Imagine a place where no two days are the same—a dynamic environment that transforms daily to reflect the destinations on your itinerary. That’s exactly what The Bazaar offers. It’s not just a space; it’s an epicentre of excitement, blending four unique Caribbean-inspired festivals with captivating entertainment, hands-on activities, and mouth-watering culinary delights. “The Bazaar is a truly one-of-a-kind space designed to seamlessly blend ship and shore and transform the way guests experience destinations,” shares Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “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.” Dive into Destination-Inspired Festivals The Bazaar will host four unique festivals, each drawing inspiration from the Caribbean destinations on your voyage. These festivals aim to immerse guests in local cultures through a variety of experiences:

• Culinary Exploration: Savour regional dishes and drinks that capture the essence of each port.
• Craft Workshops: Engage with local artisans and even create your own keepsakes.
• Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances from local musicians, dancers, and entertainers.
• Interactive Activities: Participate in cooking classes, dance lessons, and more.

And if you’re sailing to Europe in 2026, The Bazaar will transform yet again, this time reflecting the rich cultures and traditions of Mediterranean destinations. Market at The Bazaar: Bringing Cities Onboard On sea days, The Bazaar morphs into a vibrant marketplace. Market at The Bazaar invites local artisans onboard to showcase their crafts, traditions, and skills. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Artisan Displays: Witness live demonstrations of basket weaving, mask making, and more.
• Hands-On Workshops: Learn to create your own souvenirs under the guidance of skilled craftsmen.
• Culinary Tastings: Expand your palate with rum and chocolate pairings, hot sauce tastings, and other local delicacies.
• Unique Shopping: Browse and purchase one-of-a-kind items like traditional Mexican leather hats and embroidered textiles.

A Feast for Foodies at Mosaic For culinary enthusiasts, The Bazaar introduces Mosaic, an open-kitchen restaurant offering reimagined and elevated dishes inspired by the regions Celebrity Xcel is sailing through.

• Chef’s Table at Mosaic: Indulge in an exclusive multi-course tasting menu crafted by Celebrity’s global culinary team. Each dish is a childhood favourite, representing diverse cuisines from around the world, and is perfectly paired with wines from the cruise line’s award-winning selection.
• Chef’s Studio at Mosaic: Roll up your sleeves and discover your inner chef at Celebrity’s first-ever destination-inspired cooking school. Learn to prepare regional delicacies through interactive classes that change throughout the voyage, reflecting the current festival theme.

Casual Bites at Spice If you’re after something more relaxed, Spice offers a casual dining experience with a rotating selection of bites inspired by the ports on your itinerary. With floor-to-ceiling windows, this café provides breathtaking views of the sea and upcoming destinations—perfect for a laid-back lunch or a quick snack between activities. Become a Dream Maker In an industry first, Celebrity Cruises is inviting guests to actively participate in shaping the experiences onboard Celebrity Xcel. Through the Xcel ‘Dream Makers’ program, cruisers can help make key decisions across culinary, entertainment, and interior design aspects of the ship.

• Have Your Say: Influence how the festivals come to life, select menu items at Mosaic, and choose the entertainment lineup.
• Global Community: Open to all eager travellers who want to leave their mark on Celebrity Xcel.

Interested? You can join the Dream Makers community by registering at celebritycruises.com/xceldreammakers. Enriched Shore Excursions The immersive experience continues off the ship with Celebrity’s authentic shore excursions, designed to cater to various travel styles:

• Chef’s Market Discoveries: Explore local markets and taste regional flavours guided by culinary experts.
• Small Group Journeys: Enjoy curated experiences led by local guides in intimate settings.
• Private Journeys: Personalise your adventure with exclusive visits tailored just for you.

A highlight for those stopping in Nassau is the brand-new Royal Beach Club, opening in late 2025. Be among the first to enjoy pristine beaches, multiple pools, the world’s largest swim-up bar, and authentic Bahamian fare—all infused with the vibrant local spirit. Sailing Itineraries and Destinations Celebrity Xcel will embark on her inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale, offering seven-night itineraries that alternate between:

• The Bahamas
• Mexico
• Cayman Islands
• Puerto Plata
• St. Thomas
• St. Maarten

In the summer of 2026, the ship sails to Europe for her inaugural Mediterranean season. Guests can choose from seven- to eleven-night journeys out of Barcelona and Athens, including exciting overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal. Book Your Adventure Today! Ready to experience the next level of cruising? To book your sailing aboard Celebrity Xcel and be part of this groundbreaking voyage, visit celebrity.com, call Celebrity Cruises on 1-800-CELEBRITY, or contact your trusted travel advisor. Final Thoughts Celebrity Cruises is truly redefining what it means to explore the world by sea. With The Bazaar on Celebrity Xcel, they’re erasing the line between ship and shore, offering an immersive, culturally rich experience that’s unlike anything else afloat. Whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, or someone who loves to delve into new cultures, there’s something extraordinary waiting for you onboard. So, are you ready to set sail on this one-of-a-kind journey? The world awaits, and with Celebrity Xcel, the journey is just as exciting as the destination. at are you most excited to experience at The Bazaar? Share your thoughts in the comments below!