Celebrity Cruises has announced that its forthcoming vessel, Celebrity Xcel, will begin service earlier than initially planned.
A 4-night preview voyage is now scheduled to depart from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida) on November 9, 2025, sailing to Cozumel. This sailing precedes the ship's official 5-night maiden voyage from Fort Lauderdale on November 18, 2025. The advancement in schedule is attributed to the ship's construction progressing ahead of plan.
Passengers originally booked on the November 18 voyage have been offered the option to transfer their reservations to the earlier sailing. Celebrity Cruises has communicated that while some guests may value being among the first aboard, others might prefer participating in the inaugural events planned for the later departure.
Celebrity Xcel represents the fifth installment in the company's Edge Series and introduces several new features. Notably, The Bazaar, a multi-level venue replacing the Eden space found on previous Edge-class ships, will offer guests an immersive experience reflecting the cultures of the destinations visited. This includes local markets, crafts, culinary experiences, and performances. The space is designed to adapt its theme based on the ship's location, providing an authentic festival atmosphere onboard.
The ship also incorporates a tri-fuel capable engine, marking a first for Celebrity Cruises. This engine allows the use of three types of fuel, including methanol, aligning with the company's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Following her initial Caribbean season, Celebrity Xcel is slated to reposition to Europe in April 2026, offering Mediterranean itineraries. The ship's design and features aim to provide guests with a seamless connection between onboard experiences and the destinations visited.