The newest ship from Celebrity Cruises isn’t just another Edge-class vessel - Celebrity Xcel is packed with hidden features, design twists, and “wait…what?” moments most people haven’t clocked yet.

Celebrity Xcel has set sail - here are some of her secrets. Image: Celebrity Cruises

Here are 10 things you probably didn’t know 👇

1️⃣ There’s a Secret Bar Hidden Behind a Photo Booth

Yes, really(but shhh - it’s a well-kept secret..

You didn’t hear this from me . . . But the photo booth acts as the entrance to a hidden speakeasy:

Scan your keycard
The booth moves
You’re transported into a secret bar

Inside? Think 1920s glamour, live music, and a strict no-phones policy.

👉 You won’t find it on the deck plan, and sadly I can’t show a photo.

2️⃣ One Venue Changes

Completely!

Every Day!

Meet The Bazaar - Xcel’s most radical new space.

Introducing The Bazzar on Celebrity Xcel. Image: Celebrity Cruises

Hosts destination-themed festivals
Transforms throughout the day
Features pop-up food, music, and performances

No two days here feel the same - it’s more like a travelling cultural festival than a cruise venue.

3️⃣ The Space Even Has Its Own Changing Scent

This is next-level detail.

Inside The Bazaar:

Lighting changes
Visuals shift
Even the scent is programmed to match the theme

👉 It’s designed to fully immerse you - not just entertain you.

4️⃣ The Pool Deck Is 40% Bigger Than Previous Ships

Celebrity has quietly made a huge upgrade:

Expanded Resort Deck
More loungers, cabanas, and shaded areas
Multi-level “resort-style” layout

👉 It feels far more like a luxury beach club than a traditional cruise pool deck.

5️⃣ There’s a Spa Sun Deck Right at the Front of the Ship

Vitamin D Sun Deck on Celebrity Xcel — “Vitamin D Deck” On Celebrity Xcel. Image: Celebrity Cruises

Most cruise spas are tucked away indoors but not on here.

Xcel includes a “Vitamin D Deck”:

Forward-facing (front of the ship)
Exclusive to Thermal Suite guests
Designed for quiet, sun-soaked relaxation

👉 It’s one of the most peaceful spots onboard.

6️⃣ You Can Play Arcade Games, Karaoke

… and Golf — All in One Place

The Attic at The Club is:

Open 24/7
Adults-only
Packed with retro arcade games
Private karaoke rooms
Golf simulators

👉 It’s nightlife - but interactive.

7️⃣ The Walkway Into The Bazaar Is an Attraction in Itself

Coulourful Walkway into The Bazzar on Celebrity Xcel. — The Walkway into The Bazzar on Celebrity Xcel. Image: Celebrity Cruises

Before you even enter:

You pass through a tunnel of LED arches
Lights, colours and visuals constantly change

👉 It’s designed to feel like stepping into another world — and it’s very Instagrammable.

8️⃣ Some Restaurants Completely Transform From Day to Night

Take Bora, the rooftop dining space:

By day: relaxed Mediterranean brunch vibes
By night: intimate, atmospheric dining

👉 Same space — totally different experience.

9️⃣ You Can Buy Local Goods From the Destinations You’re Visiting

Artisan goods on sale in the Market at the Bazzar on Celebrity Xcel. — Local artisan products on sale in The Market at The Bazzar on Celebrity Xcel. Image: Celebrity Cruises

Shopping onboard isn’t just luxury brands anymore.

At The Bazaar:

Local artisans showcase products
Items change based on itinerary
You may even see items being made

👉 It’s a floating local market, not just a duty-free shop.

🔟 This Ship Was Influenced by Passengers Before It Even Launched

Celebrity did something different with Xcel:

Invited past guests to give feedback during development
Used real traveller input to shape experiences onboard

👉 The result?

A ship designed around how people actually cruise — not just how cruise lines think they do.

Find out more about Celebrity’s “Dream Makers” initiative.

Why Celebrity Xcel Feels So Different

Compared to earlier Edge-class ships, Xcel shifts towards:

Hidden, discovery-led spaces
Experiences that change throughout the day
More immersive, sensory design
Less “static” cruise venues

👉 It’s not just a ship - it’s a constantly evolving environment.

The Lowdown

Celebrity Xcel isn’t about adding more — it’s about doing things differently.

From secret rooms to spaces that transform daily, it’s designed to keep you discovering things right up until the last day of your cruise.

And honestly?

That’s what’s going to keep people talking about it.

Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Celebrity Xcel