Celebrity Cruises says 77% of its UK guests are seeking more immersive travel experiences, as demand for experience-led holidays continues to rise.
*All details correct at time of publish (22 May 2026)
On board Celebrity Xcel, guests can experience the continent’s festivals, events and traditions not only in destination, but as part of an immersive journey that continues long after they step back onboard.
Fresh from her launch at the end of 2025, Celebrity Xcel is making her highly anticipated European debut this summer, sailing Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona and Athens.
Designed to blur the line between ship and shore, the ship brings the culture, flavours and atmosphere of each destination on board, creating a seamless connection between what guests experience in port and throughout their time at sea.
On Celebrity Xcel’s 1 June sailing from Barcelona, guests will also experience the ship’s first-ever overnight stay in Madeira on 5-6 June, marking Celebrity’s first overnight call on the island and giving guests more time to explore.
Later in the season, sailings visiting Santorini in September coincide with the start of the island’s Vedema wine harvest, when vineyards begin gathering grapes and celebrations of Santorini’s centuries-old winemaking traditions take place across the island.
Back on board, The Bazaar brings these cultural moments to life in a completely new way. The space transforms throughout each voyage to reflect the destinations on the itinerary, creating destination-inspired celebrations including Opa! for Greece, Salud for Spain, Spice for Turkey and Morocco and La Dolce Vita for Italy.
Through food, music and immersive experiences, the atmosphere onboard evolves as the ship sails from one destination to the next.
As the newest ship in Celebrity Cruises’ award-winning Edge Series, Celebrity Xcel combines contemporary design, world-class dining and immersive destination experiences, making it not just a way to travel, but one of the most exciting places to be in Europe this summer.
Despite strong demand for the ship’s inaugural European season, select sailings are available during the summer, offering travellers the chance to experience multiple cultural moments in one unforgettable Mediterranean journey.
There has never been a better time to book as Celebrity Cruises has launched a limited-time offer**:
- Flights direct to Europe from as little as £99
- At least 60% off second guests
- Savings of up to £800 per room
A 7-night Italy, Spain and French Riviera sailing departing from Barcelona on 27th June 2026, visiting Nice (Villefranche), Portofino, Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples and returning to Barcelona for the Tour de France Grand Depart on 4th July, based on two people sharing a guarantee Veranda stateroom with return flights from London Gatwick starting from £1,253 per person.
A 7-night Italy, Spain and France sailing departing from Barcelona on 4th July 2026, visiting Provence (Marseille) when the Festival de Marseille is in full swing, Portofino, Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Rome (Civitavecchia) and Naples, based on two people sharing an Oceanview stateroom with return flights from London Gatwick starting from £1,068 per person.
A 7-night Greece, Malta and Turkey sailing departing from Barcelona on 12th June 2026, visiting Valletta during the Malta International Arts Festival, Ephesus (Kusadasi), Mykonos, Santorini and Athens (Piraeus), based on two people sharing an Oceanview stateroom with return flights from London Gatwick, starting from £1,451 per person.
An 8-night Greece, Malta and Turkey sailing departing from Barcelona on 5th September 2026, Valletta (Malta), Ephesus (Kusadasi), Rhodes, Santorini during the island’s Vedema wine harvest, Mykonos and Athens (Piraeus), based on two people sharing a Prime Oceanview stateroom with return flights from London Gatwick, starting from £1,491 per person.
*Research based on Celebrity Cruises’ “Who Is Our Customer” study 2024, surveying 1,250 Celebrity Cruises’ guests.
** T&C’s: Price shown is an average of 2 guests and inclusive of promotional savings, based on 2 guests sharing a stateroom within selected categories. Subject to change and availability. Price correct as of 18 May 2026.
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