Celebrity Xcel introduces an onboard approach to destination immersion that continues well beyond time spent ashore through The Bazaar, a multi-use venue designed to connect voyages with the cultures they visit. As the vessel enters her European season, the space will host four newly developed festivals reflecting Mediterranean regions, carrying local traditions, cuisine, and performance into the ship’s daily rhythm.
Since its introduction aboard Celebrity Xcel in November, The Bazaar has reshaped how destination programming is delivered at sea. The cruise line’s leadership has indicated that the concept was developed to sustain cultural engagement during sea days, using integrated spatial design, food, beverage, and entertainment to form a unified experience that evolves from morning through evening. The Mediterranean-focused programming builds on this framework, extending the concept across every European sailing.
The Bazaar is structured to blur the distinction between ship and shore through rotating festivals, artisan markets, participatory activities, regionally influenced dining, and live entertainment. Programming varies daily, supported by three-story LED installations that allow the venue to change in character throughout the voyage. This approach enables guests to encounter elements of Mediterranean destinations ranging from Florence to Santorini while remaining on board.
Four festivals anchor the experience, each drawing from distinct regional traditions. The Opa Festival reflects Greek culture through cuisine, craft activities, and live music, transitioning from daytime demonstrations to evening performances rooted in traditional rhythms. La Dolce Vita Festival focuses on Italian culinary heritage and craftsmanship, shifting from hands-on daytime tastings and workshops to evening programming inspired by classic Venetian settings. Salud Festival interprets Spanish influences with regional food, creative activities, and performances that emphasize dance and music. Silk & Spice Festival draws from Moroccan and Turkish traditions, combining tea service, sweets, crafts, and evening performances inspired by regional music and movement.
Culinary offerings are central to The Bazaar’s programming. Mosaic, an open-kitchen venue, presents dishes reinterpreted from Mediterranean ports such as Naples, Mykonos, and Lisbon, while the casual Spice concept offers rotating daytime selections influenced by itinerary-specific destinations. Floor-to-ceiling windows place these dining experiences directly at the waterline, reinforcing the connection between cuisine and place.
On sea days, the Market at The Bazaar provides access to goods sourced from regional artisans, allowing guests to purchase items associated with destinations visited across Southern Europe and North Africa. Complementing this retail component, Chef’s Studio at Mosaic serves as Celebrity Cruises’ first destination-inspired cooking school, where onboard classes adapt throughout the voyage to reflect festival themes and regional cuisines.
Ashore, Celebrity Xcel’s itineraries continue this emphasis on extended exploration, calling at destinations including Florence, Palma de Mallorca, Santorini, and Mykonos, with selected overnight stays such as Madeira allowing for longer time in port.
Beginning in May 2026, Celebrity Xcel will operate her inaugural European season with 7- to 11-night Mediterranean itineraries sailing from Barcelona and Athens, incorporating new overnight calls and positioning The Bazaar as a core element of the ship’s destination-focused design.