Experience Europe Like Never Before on Celebrity Xcel

If you've ever wished you could hold onto a destination long after the ship has left port, Celebrity Xcel offers a way to do exactly that.

Celebrity Xcel, Celebrity Cruises’ newest Edge Series ship, sailed into its inaugural European season this spring with a venue unlike anything else at sea. The Bazaar is a three-story immersive space designed to bring the destination experience on board, keeping you wrapped in Mediterranean culture well beyond your time in port. Floor-to-ceiling LED screens transform throughout the day, artisan markets open on sea days, and live performances match wherever the ship is sailing.

Europe comes alive on Celebrity Xcel

At the heart of The Bazaar are four Mediterranean-inspired festivals. The Opa Festival brings Greece to life with baklava, moussaka, hands-on crafts, and evening dancing. La Dolce Vita Festival captures Italy's sweet life with limoncello tastings, pasta-making classes, and nights of Venetian elegance. The Salud Festival showcases Spain's bold spirit through sangria and flamenco. The Silk & Spice Festival draws you into Morocco and Turkey with fragrant teas, Turkish delights, and whirling dancers as the sun goes down.

On sea days, the Market at The Bazaar opens for browsing goods from local artisans: olive oil, hand-painted tiles, and Italian scarves. At Chef's Studio, Celebrity's first destination-inspired cooking school, the menu rotates throughout the sailing, so you learn to cook from each region you visit. Dining at Mosaic, the ship's open-kitchen restaurant, features regional cooking drawn from cities such as Naples, Mykonos, and Lisbon.

Explore Europe through Celebrity's award-winning itineraries

This summer, Celebrity Xcel sails 7- to 11-night itineraries from Barcelona and Athens, calling on ports from Mediterranean classics to quieter destinations. Rome, Santorini, and the gateway to Florence anchor the well-traveled routes, while Madeira, the Portuguese Atlantic island beloved by wine enthusiasts, is featured with an overnight stay.

For a different kind of European experience, Celebrity Apex sails from Southampton, England, to the British Isles, offering a scenic alternative to Mediterranean itineraries.

Beyond Celebrity Xcel, Celebrity's 2026–2027 European season includes eight ships sailing from Barcelona, Athens, Rome, Southampton, Amsterdam, and ReykjavÍk (Iceland), with itineraries spanning the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Adriatic, British Isles, Norwegian Fjords, and Iceland.

Winter in Europe: A new way to sail

Europe doesn't have to be a summer trip. This fall and winter, Celebrity Infinity sails from Barcelona and Athens on 7- to 13-night itineraries through the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, and Morocco. Cities like Rome, Barcelona, and Athens are easier to move through in the offseason, and the mild Mediterranean climate means comfortable travel well into winter.

Quieter ports, festive holiday markets, and a slower pace make these Mediterranean cruises a genuinely different experience from peak summer travel. The 2026–2027 season includes holiday itineraries through the Canaries and Morocco if you're looking for something other than a traditional December trip.

Extend your stay: More time in Europe

Celebrity's Extend Your Stay program lets you remain on board on disembarkation day in select European home ports, including Rome, Barcelona, Venice, and Athens, with access to the pool, Wi-Fi, and meals at the Oceanview Café. Suite guests in The Retreat receive additional inclusions, including premium beverages, specialty dining, and private lounge access.

Why Celebrity? Modern luxury meets destination depth

What sets Celebrity apart is how deeply the destination runs through your cruise experience, with regionally inspired menus, shore excursions, and onboard cooking classes all tied to the ports on your itinerary.

Celebrity Cruises has spent more than 35 years refining what a premium vacation at sea looks like. The result is an experience that feels closer to a boutique hotel than a traditional cruise ship, with thoughtful service, world-class design, and elevated dining.

Ready to experience Europe on Celebrity Xcel? Talk to your AAA Travel Advisor. They can help find the right cruise for you.