A Two-Day Cruise Aboard the Celebrity Xcel
Jackie Sheckler Finch, a contributor, embarked on a two-day cruise aboard the new Celebrity Xcel and provided an exclusive look at the traditional ship christening ceremony. The name "Xcel" is fitting, as it represents superiority, surpassing expectations, and excellence. The Celebrity Xcel is more than just a ship—it's a marvel of modern cruising.
During her two-day trip, Sheckler Finch experienced the official naming ceremony, departing from Fort Lauderdale without any specific destination or shore excursions. Instead, she enjoyed the beauty of the open ocean and discovered what the Xcel has to offer.
With the support of a global community known as Dream Makers, the Xcel introduces seven brand-new spaces and experiences, which Sheckler Finch will share after the traditional naming ceremony. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the godmother JanaÃna Torres performed the ship’s christening with a bottle of champagne, following maritime tradition to ensure good luck for the vessel.
“May God bless her and all who sail on her,” Torres said, pressing a button to smash the champagne against the ship’s hull. Voted “Best Female Chef in the World” in 2024 for her Brazilian cuisine, Torres embodies the passion for celebrating culture through food, as noted by Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises.
The Fifth Edge Class Ship
As the fifth ship in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Class, the 16-deck Celebrity Xcel can accommodate 3,260 guests across a wide range of stateroom categories, along with 1,400 crew members. Jason Liberty, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, emphasized that each new ship raises the bar for the ultimate vacation experience. Celebrity Cruises, a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group, continues to innovate with the Xcel.
The Xcel pushes the industry-first concept even further, introducing seven new spaces and experiences. One of the highlights is the Magic Carpet, a vibrant tangerine-colored structure positioned on the side of the ship. About the size of a tennis court, this cantilevered floating platform serves multiple functions when the ship is not cruising, such as a dining spot, music performance venue, or tender platform.
Captain Kirk: A Beloved Leader
The Xcel’s captain, Kyriakos Matragkas, is affectionately known as “Captain Kirk.” He adopted the nickname early in his career due to the challenge of pronouncing his Greek name. Born in Piraeus, Greece, Matragkas grew up near the Mediterranean Sea, influenced by a family of seafarers. His father was a ship captain, and young Kyriakos often accompanied him on sailing journeys. After graduating from the marine academy in Hydra, he joined Celebrity Cruises and now brings his love for snowboarding, reading, and music to the ship.
My Xcel Stateroom 12169
Sheckler Finch’s stateroom, 12169, on Deck 12 exceeded her expectations. The Infinite Balcony was a standout feature, with floor-to-ceiling windows that could be opened to let in sea air and ocean sounds. The balcony had French doors, blinds, two chairs, and a table, creating a peaceful and airy atmosphere.
Storage options were abundant, including a large closet, drawers, and built-in shelves. Plush robes were available, and charging stations included American, European, and USB ports. The room also featured a large wall TV, safe, sofa, desk, chair, and a luxurious bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower.
Stateroom attendant Wayan kept the space clean, leaving a chocolate candy and a six-page Celebrity Today newsletter on the pillow at nightly turndown. While the ship offers an app for tracking activities, Sheckler Finch appreciated the paper version.
Dining Choices on the Xcel
With numerous dining options, Sheckler Finch couldn’t explore them all in two days. She enjoyed breakfast and lunch at the Oceanview Café on Deck 14, where fresh seafood, fruit, salads, and meat choices were available. The pizza and ice cream at Scoops were particularly tasty.
For dinner, she dined at Raw on 5, where a variety of seafood dishes were served. On the second night, she chose Luminae at the Retreat on Deck 16, enjoying onion soup, grilled New York strip steak, and crème brulee. The Bourbon and Peach cocktail was a highlight.
Onboard Entertainment
Celebrity Xcel features three new theater productions, two interactive shows at The Club, and other live music and dance experiences. Sheckler Finch attended part of the 254 West show, a tribute to the 1970s disco Studio 54. The second night, she watched Chapters, a captivating performance with a round stage and talented performers.
Seven New Spaces and Entertainment
The Bazaar replaces Eden on Celebrity Cruises, offering a unique experience. Bora, an alfresco restaurant, provides stunning sea views and a Bloody Mary bar. The Attic at The Club features games like pool, darts, and retro classics. The Celebrity Pool Club offers sunbeds, private cabanas, and a pool valet.
The Celebrity Flagship Store is the first-ever store with souvenirs and exclusive products. The Spa includes a Hydra Room and an outdoor Vitamin D Deck. The Bazaar is a three-story venue celebrating four festivals, featuring local artisans and pop-up performances.
The Bazaar also includes the Spice Café and Mosaic, offering destination-inspired dining. The Chef’s Studio cooking class allows guests to learn traditional Caribbean dishes. The final space, IYKYK, remains a secret, adding to the excitement of the cruise.
Conclusion
The Celebrity Xcel lives up to its name, offering an exceptional experience with its innovative spaces, entertainment, and dining. For more information about the Xcel, visit the Celebrity Cruises website.
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