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Celebrity Xcel’s Newest Features: The Bazaar

Celebrity Xcel’s Newest Features: The Bazaar
6 Feb 2025
Orla Sutton
Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Xcel, New Ship, The Bazaar

Explore the world before you even get there with The Bazaar onboard Celebrity Xcel. Imagine stepping onto a ship and instantly being transported. Whether that’s to the vibrant streets of a Caribbean festival or the aromatic spice markets of Mexico. Celebrity Xcel, set to launch in November 2025. Redefining what it means to cruise with its groundbreaking new concept: The Bazaar. This multi level, multi sensory space is designed to blur the line between ship and shore. Offering an immersive experience that extends guests’ time “on shore” even while at sea.

The Bazaar onboard Celebrity Xcel is more than just a marketplace. It is a dynamic, ever changing space where culture, cuisine, and entertainment come alive on board. No two days at The Bazaar will be the same, making each visit a unique adventure. Whether you are browsing artisanal crafts, indulging in destination inspired flavours, or celebrating a local festival. The Bazaar ensures that exploration begins the moment you set sail.

The Market at The Bazaar

On sea days, The Bazaar transforms into a bustling marketplace. A place where guests can connect with local cultures in an authentic and interactive way. The Market at The Bazaar brings artisans from various destinations on board. Giving guests the opportunity to witness live demonstrations of traditional crafts, purchase unique souvenirs, and even participate in hands-on workshops.

Depending on the theme of the sailing, guests can experience:

  • Rum and chocolate pairings showcasing the flavours of the Caribbean
  • Live basket weaving demonstrations, a time honoured tradition in many coastal communities
  • A traditional Mexican leather hat making station
  • Embroidery workshops inspired by Mediterranean textiles
  • An authentic Caribbean mask shop featuring handcrafted festival masks

The Market at The Bazaar offers a revolving lineup of cultural experiences. Ensuring that every cruise provides new opportunities to engage with the traditions of the destinations visited.

Culinary Delights at Mosaic

For travellers who love to explore new cultures through food, The Bazaar’s open kitchen concept, Mosaic, will be a dream come true. Mosaic serves elevated dishes inspired by the regions Celebrity Xcel visits, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy destination-inspired cuisine without ever leaving the ship.

One of the highlights of Mosaic is the industry first Chef’s Table experience, where Celebrity’s global culinary leadership team will curate a diverse, multi course tasting menu. Each dish is inspired by the chefs’ native cuisines and paired with wines from Celebrity Cruises’ award winning selection.

For those looking to get hands on, Chef’s Studio at Mosaic offers the first ever destination inspired cooking school at sea. Guests can learn how to prepare traditional dishes from each destination. With the menu evolving throughout the sailing to reflect the themes of The Bazaar. Whether it’s mastering Caribbean spice blends or learning to roll fresh Mediterranean pasta, the Chef’s Studio ensures that guests return home with both new recipes and unforgettable memories.

Casual Bites at Spice

For those who prefer a more laid back dining experience, Spice offers a rotating selection of regional bites inspired by the ports visited on each itinerary. Located at the water’s edge, this cafe provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying small plates while taking in breathtaking sea views. With floor to ceiling windows, guests can sip on a tropical cocktail while watching the sun set over the ocean or enjoy a light meal before heading off to explore the latest festival at The Bazaar.

Destination Inspired Festivals at The Bazaar

One of the most exciting aspects of The Bazaar is its lineup of destination inspired festivals. Each festival is tied to a specific port of call and offers guests an immersive cultural experience unlike anything else at sea. Throughout the cruise, The Bazaar will come alive:

  • Live music and performances from local artists
  • Culinary events featuring traditional food and drink from the region
  • Crafting workshops where guests can create authentic souvenirs
  • Dance classes showcasing regional styles
  • Pop-up entertainment that brings the spirit of the destination on board

For example, a Caribbean themed festival might feature a steel drum band, jerk chicken cooking demonstrations, and a colourful masquerade parade, while a Mediterranean festival could include Greek folk dancing, olive oil tastings, and handcrafted pottery exhibits.

As Celebrity Xcel transitions to Europe in 2026, The Bazaar will evolve once again to feature Mediterranean inspired festivals, markets, and culinary experiences, ensuring that the immersive cultural exploration continues no matter where the ship is sailing.

Shaping the Future of Travel with Xcel ‘Dream Makers’

Celebrity Cruises is inviting guests to be part of the experience by joining Xcel ‘Dream Makers,’ a first of its kind programme that allows travellers to help shape the offerings of The Bazaar. Dream Makers will have the opportunity to vote on entertainment choices, menu items at Mosaic, festival themes, and other experiences that will define Celebrity Xcel’s unique onboard atmosphere. This interactive approach ensures that The Bazaar is not only a space for exploration but also a community driven initiative tailored to the interests and desires of Celebrity Cruises’ guests.

An Unparalleled Cruise Experience

Beyond The Bazaar, Celebrity Xcel’s commitment to an enriched holiday experience continues with its exclusive shore excursions.

  • Chef’s Market Discoveries, which offer culinary tours guided by expert chefs
  • Small Group Journeys, providing intimate, locally led explorations
  • Private Journeys, allowing for fully customised travel experiences
  • The Royal Beach Club in Nassau, an all inclusive island escape featuring pristine beaches, vibrant Bahamian culture, and the world’s largest swim up bar

With its inaugural season launching from Fort Lauderdale, Celebrity Xcel will offer seven night itineraries. Across the Bahamas, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. Celebrity Xcel will offer its inaugural Mediterranean season in 2026. Sailing from Barcelona and Athens with itineraries that include overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.

The Bazaar onboard Celebrity Xcel is set to redefine the way travellers experience the world. By seamlessly blending ship and shore, The Bazaar transforms every voyage into an immersive cultural journey. Whether indulging in local flavours at Mosaic, learning a new skill from artisans at The Market, or celebrating a vibrant festival. Guests will find that the spirit of adventure begins the moment they step aboard.

 

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