Michele Capestany

I had the incredible opportunity to sail on a 4-night preview cruise aboard the brand-new Celebrity Xcel, and she is absolutely spectacular. It truly feels like a luxury resort at sea. Sailing with Celebrity has always felt effortless, starting with check-in, and that was still very much the case even though this was the very first sailing on this ship.

The design is innovative and upscale, with beautiful and sometimes whimsical artwork throughout. Each space feels intentional, and as you move through the ship you naturally discover cozy lounges, inviting corners, and thoughtfully designed areas that encourage you to pause and take it all in.

What stood out most was the overall sense of ease. Xcel feels open without being overwhelming, creating a calm, unhurried rhythm throughout the sailing. There are countless comfortable places to relax, whether you’re watching the sea, reading quietly, or enjoying a moment of reflection.

The service was outstanding — warm, attentive, and genuinely personal. Every interaction added to the feeling of a thoughtful experience, where comfort and care are just as important as design.

Dining is truly a highlight in itself, with plenty of options throughout the day and night. Whether grabbing a coffee and snack, enjoying a relaxed meal in the main dining rooms, or exploring specialty dining, there’s a sense of variety without ever feeling overwhelming.

Most of the balcony staterooms aboard Xcel are Infinite Veranda staterooms. These feature a wall-to-wall window that lowers at the touch of a button, creating an open-air balcony feel. One of the biggest advantages is the additional usable space inside the stateroom, which gives the room a noticeably more spacious and flexible layout.

One fun surprise was The Club, which includes an arcade-style area with pub-style games like darts, shuffleboard, pool, and even Pac-Man–style video games — all complimentary. Adjacent to The Club is a space that can be used for private events or even a simulated round of golf.

There are truly too many fantastic spaces on this ship to capture them all in one post. Celebrity Xcel is best experienced by sailing her and discovering each space at your own pace.