As the expansive horizon offers breathtaking views, that pristine view sparks imagination, creativity, and desire. The sense of wanderlust to explore beyond what is within immediate reach drives people off the couch and towards the next great adventure. With the new Celebrity Cruises Xcel, guests will not only have a happy place, but they will have a tangible connection to that vacation experience.
Stepping aboard a cruise ship is more than just a floating vessel journeying from port to port. While many people subscribe to the concept of unpack once and travel the world, the reality is that a cruise ship is an adventure itself. From the vivacious parties by the pool to the quiet nooks that exude solitude, there is a space for every mood, occasion, and guest preference.
Celebrity Cruises appeals to the sophisticated guest who wants it all during that multi-night vacation. Elevated food and beverages, engaging entertainment, and luxury fill every experience on board. From the creative artistic pathways connecting one end of the ship to the other to the floating carpet that allows guests to feel as if they are one with the water, the cumulative on board experience is meant to do more than simply make memories. It inspires people to embrace the fullness of the journey.
As Celebrity Cruises prepares to launch its newest ship, Celebrity Xcel, it launched Xcel Dream Makers. The program invites everyone to offer their opinions on new entertainment, food and beverage offerings, and other aspects of the ship.
According to Michael Scheiner, chief marketing and product officer of Celebrity Cruises, “We want to ensure our guests love our products and experiences, so involving them in the process to perfect Celebrity Xcel was a great way to achieve this. Celebrity Cruises is known for ground-breaking innovation in ship design and experiences unlike any other at sea, when Xcel launches guests won’t have just found their happy place, they’ll have helped us build it.”
Dream Makers will have impact on everything from favorite dishes and table settings to headlining shows and even special service offerings. While it is not necessary complete crowd sourcing, the personal input ensure that this fifth ship in the Edge Series reflects what guests want in their vacation experience.
Looking specifically at the food and beverage aspect, it will be curious to see how the brand redesigns both food and beverage menus based on the feedback. Given that Celebrity Cruises has implemented exclusive on-board offerings with its Rabbit Hole Bourbon single barrel and Grgich Hills Estate and Shafer Vineyards wines, uniqueness is a driving factor with these experiences. For the bourbon drinker who wants to be able to return home and brag about getting a pour of that elusive bottle is worth the money spent.
Since these experiences set Celebrity Cruises apart, getting input from guests is vital to the next wave of offerings. Bourbon and wine are big sellers, but it could be time to branch out into other spirits. No cruise line offers a strong mezcal program. Integrating a brand like Montelobos into a culinary and culturally driven experience for Mexican cruises would set the brand apart.
Additionally, the restaurants on board Celebrity Cruises are always a selling point. From the refined Le Voyage to the interactive Le Petit Chef, people can have totally different experiences each evening.
While food tends to be more traditional, it could be time to see an influence of Indian, Mid-Eastern or even African cuisine. Even though some of these flavors may not work with the ports of call, travelers crave bolder flavors and are cuisine curious. It might be time to step away from the butter poached lobster and French Onion soup for a tagine or even some peri peri chicken.
For anyone who wants to join the Dream Makers journey, additional information can be found on the Celebrity Cruises website. Celebrity Xcel is set to begin its inaugural season departing from Ft. Lauderdale in November 2025.