I was delighted to be invited to the naming ceremony of the latest Edge Class vessel Xcel.
This short 2-night sailing included the naming ceremony extravaganza. Not my first naming ceremony but my first time in a suite with suite amenities on Celebrity. Absolutely can understand the attraction and the value of the cost differential.
I generally am berthed in veranda cabins, but when I stepped into my cabin on the Xcel I knew my lifelong dream of winning Queen for a day had come true but that it was actually for 2 days. The Retreat Suite was exquisite, but I knew I reached Queen status in the dining area reserved for suite guests Luminae with escargot on the menu every night.
The suite we were assigned is perfect with the exception of the tub/shower which is awkward to enter and exit with only one grab bar and only a rain shower overhead which I find men love and women generally do not. Certainly consider utilizing the spa shower if an issue. The bed orientation and size of the cabin is excellent. Adequate storage. Sofa that converts requires judicious pillow placement but is across from the TV as the bed looks out to sea not often seen on ships. Odd, even though there is a lamp on each side of the bed only one side has electricity for phone charging or CPAP.
Retreat Suites on Celebrity are a hybrid of luxury suites and amenities with a ship in a ship concept offering vibrant active entertainment selection just not available on smaller upscale vessels.
Scheduled entertainment Rebel the tenors was excellent. The new production show was frenetic, I expect it has been revised since I saw it. Costuming and sets were well done. The area on previous sailings that I attended that was Eden has been turned into a dynamic space that is vibrant and attractive to the younger demographic on the ship. Packed even late with no apparent end. An example of innovation in on board experience to delight.
Celebrity has a loyal following across all generations of their vessels in particular as older ships are refurbished and amenities are added from new builds. Many loyal Celebrity clients prefer the smaller ships and their adventurous itineraries. Although suitable for most demographics the core audience is 45+ couples. Xcel entered service with new to class innovations many suggested by loyal clients.
On Xcel do pack for frigid temps even in the Caribbean as AC is robust indoors. I write this while waiting on the show to start with my warm jacket zipped up and wishing I packed wool socks.
Celebrity cruises does not complete with other cruise lines but with experiences.
I am not alone in recommending Celebrity Xcel, so does Forbes.
(based on a 2 N cruise to nowhere November 2025)
Queen for a Day was a daytime television program that served as a precursor for reality television today. I was a small child and loved the crown & cape but remember being confused that so many women wanted washers?
