Celebrity Cruises has confirmed that the 2026 edition of its annual President’s Cruise will be held aboard its upcoming flagship vessel, Celebrity Xcel. The voyage, scheduled to depart on September 13, 2026, will span 8 nights and sail from Athens (Piraeus, Greece) to Barcelona (Spain) with port calls in Turkey and Malta.
The announcement was delivered by Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge during the 2025 President’s Cruise, currently underway in the Norwegian fjords aboard Celebrity Apex. Designed as a curated experience combining cultural immersion with elevated shipboard amenities, the President’s Cruise continues to serve as a hallmark event in the company’s calendar.
Celebrity Xcel, which is under construction and set to launch in late 2025, represents the fifth vessel in the Edge Series. It introduces several yet-to-be-revealed features that distinguish it from its sister ships. Early indications point to the integration of advanced sustainability initiatives and new guest-facing innovations. Notably, the ship will be the first in the Celebrity fleet to support methanol propulsion, aligning with Royal Caribbean Group’s wider decarbonisation strategy and goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
With a capacity of 3,260 passengers, Celebrity Xcel will build on the line’s existing focus on contemporary luxury. The ship is expected to debut seven new onboard concepts aimed at enhancing the guest experience through a blend of technological innovation, sustainable practices, and high-end hospitality.
The 2026 President’s Cruise will offer participants exclusive events and direct engagement opportunities with company leadership. The itinerary has been crafted to appeal to those seeking a balance of cultural enrichment, scenic exploration, and luxury cruising. Celebrity Cruises has indicated that further details, including full itinerary specifics and booking timelines, will be shared in the coming months.