As the anticipation builds to Celebrity Xcel embarking on its maiden voyage, every delicious detail about its food and beverage offerings excites cruise enthusiasts. In addition to favorite, returning offerings on the Celebrity Cruises ship, a new concept tackles a meal that is often overlooked on cruise ships. Brunch is on the menu and everyone is ecstatic.
Anyone who has traveled on a cruise appreciates that food and beverages are continually available. It is more than an endless buffet or a late night room service order. Sophisticated chef-driven offerings sit side by side with immersive dining. Any and every food desire is available within that vacation getaway.
One meal has often been overlooked on cruises. While a leisurely brunch is a weekend favorite or a holiday staple, sipping that Bloody Mary while enjoying a chicken and waffles is not normally a feature. Although Royal Caribbean’s Mason Jar occasionally offers brunch on sea days, most ships do not offer a “brunch” style offering. Of course, certain food items can be transformed into a brunch menu, but a space dedicated to brunch is different, and needed.
Bora, on Celebrity Xcel, will be Celebrity’s first ever brunch offering. The al fresco restaurant will allow guests to enjoy a vibrant, engaging setting while savoring tastes of the Mediterranean. Of course, cocktails will be shaken to enhance the experience.
As Michael Scheiner, chief marketing and product officer of Celebrity Cruises explained, “Reconnecting with loved ones over new experiences is important to Celebrity guests. Celebrity Xcel will be their happy place with new dining options and all-new entertainment and activities creating endless opportunities to ‘Date Night, All Day Long.’ These elevated new experiences will invite guests to discover something new while creating shared memories.”
According to Celebrity Cruises, Bora’s brunch menu will include bold takes on classics like shakshuka eggs. That spicy, hearty meal is a great option to kick off a day of robust food.
For more traditionalists, a croissant eggs benedict is a must try. The lemon-scented salmon gravlax is a lovely expression of a classic offering with a little twist. It might become the most talked about item on the menu.
Of course, many people live for cocktails at Brunch. The Best Bloody Mary Bar at sea will rival any of those over the top creations people see online. From impressive garnishes to nuanced flavors, this bar is the daytime equivalent to the Martini Bar’s nighttime extravaganza.
While the brunch setting has everyone talking, the nighttime experience at Bora is just as enticing. The seafood centric menu invites intimate connections with that special someone. From envisioning the Italian countryside to basking in the beauty of a Greek isle, the table offers a taste of escapism on board.
Bora joins the robust food and beverage offerings on board Celebrity Xcel. From signature spirits to destination-driven menus, guests will be able to anything and everything throughout their vacation experience.
Celebrity Xcel is set to begin the inaugural season in November 2025. More information on itineraries and the ship can be found on the Celebrity Cruises website.