Key Aspects:
- Celebrity Xcel has aced her sea trials in the Bay of Biscay and returned to the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard.
- Finishing work on the ship will now continue and she will be handed over to Celebrity Cruises in the next few weeks.
- Celebrity Xcel will welcome her first guests on a preview sailing on November 9, 2025, ahead of her maiden voyage on November 18.
The forthcoming Celebrity Xcel has sailed boldly through an important milestone. On Saturday, September 13, 2025, the new ship completed her sea trials.
These critical tests evaluate the ship’s technical systems, including navigation, propulsion, turns, emergency stops, and more. This ensures the ship is in peak functioning condition before she will be handed over to Celebrity Cruises.
This is also the first time Celebrity Xcel has been out in the open ocean, truly testing her resilience and functionality under real-world conditions.
Captain ‘Kirk’ Kyriakos Matragkas led the vessel for these maneuverability tests in the Bay of Biscay near the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, where the 141,400-gross-ton ship is under construction.
Celebrity Xcel has returned to the shipyard and further steps in her finishing work are already underway. This is especially critical for the new spaces being introduced on this fifth Edge-class ship.
Of special interest is the cruise line’s first-ever Celebrity Flagship store that will blend interactive museum-quality exhibits with branded retail that celebrates the cruise line’s rich and luxurious history.
Also coming to Celebrity Xcel will be the first-ever Hydra Room for the cruise line, part of the Thermal Suite and featuring a warm massage pool and heated lounge chairs. The ambient atmosphere with water features and soothing decor will offer the best in immersive relaxation.
Retro arcade games and neon lights will make a fun and playful space at Attic at The Club, a 24/7 lounge that invites fun and games with darts, foosball, shuffleboard, and pool.
Now that the ship is technically sound, the final detail work on these and other new spaces can be completed. Celebrity Xcel is scheduled to debut in November 2025, with a special 4-night preview sailing departing Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Sunday, November 9, with a visit planned for Cozumel.
This preview sailing was only added to the ship’s inaugural schedule a few months ago, as construction is ahead of schedule and Celebrity Xcel will be able to welcome her first guests earlier than expected.
Cruising Aboard Celebrity Xcel
Following the new preview sailing, Celebrity Xcel‘s official maiden voyage is slated for November 18, 2025. That 5-night Bahamas and Mexico cruise will visit both Cozumel and Bimini and is sure to be filled with amazing events as the ship begins service.
Celebrity Xcel‘s regular itineraries will be 7-night itineraries, including both Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean routes.
Depending on the sailing date and exact itinerary, the new ship will also be calling on top destinations such as Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Grand Cayman.
Book Now: Great Sailings Available Aboard Celebrity Xcel
On April 26, 2026, Celebrity Xcel will depart Fort Lauderdale to return to Europe, offering departures from Barcelona and Piraeus (Athens) for a summer spent in the Mediterranean and along the gorgeous French Riviera.
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Of special interest are the ship’s new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal, giving guests extra time to enjoy such an amazing destination. Other European ports of call include Nice, Portofino, Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, Santorini, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Lisbon, Cadiz, and much more.
In November 2026, the new ship will return to her Caribbean routes but homeported from Miami instead of Fort Lauderdale, and the summer 2027 season will again be spent in the Mediterranean.
