Celebrity Xcel is bringing a fresh take to European cruising

13 July 2026

Celebrity Xcel is making its European debut, pairing some of the continent's most-loved destinations with an onboard experience designed to be every bit as memorable as the places you'll visit. Whether you're wandering through ancient streets in Athens or soaking up the atmosphere along the French Riviera, this is a holiday that lets you enjoy Europe from a different perspective. Even better, with more than 40 overnight stays across 10 cities, there's more time to enjoy each destination after the daytime crowds have dispersed, whether that's lingering over dinner, taking an evening stroll, or simply seeing another side of the city.

Celebrity Xcel is bringing a fresh take to European cruising

From Barcelona to the Greek Isles

Celebrity Xcel's itineraries showcase a fantastic mix of Mediterranean favourites and lesser-explored gems. The Greece, Malta & Turkey sailing takes you from Barcelona to the honey-coloured streets of Valletta, the whitewashed villages of Santorini, the ancient ruins of Ephesus near Kusadasi, cosmopolitan Mykonos, and Athens, where landmarks such as the Acropolis sit above bustling neighbourhoods filled with cafés and markets. Alternatively, the Italy & French Riviera itinerary combines Naples, Sicily, Rome, Portofino, Florence, Pisa, Nice, and an overnight stay in Madeira, giving you time to enjoy everything from Renaissance masterpieces and colourful harbours to volcanic landscapes and Atlantic island scenery.

Europe comes on board

One of Celebrity Xcel's most exciting additions is The Bazaar, a brand-new venue inspired by the destinations on your itinerary. Rather than waiting until you arrive ashore, you'll be able to experience regional flavours, live entertainment, artisan markets, and celebrations that reflect the places you're sailing to. Because The Bazaar evolves throughout each voyage, no two sailings feel exactly the same, adding another layer to your holiday and making the connection between ship and shore feel even stronger.

Every mood, every moment

Life onboard Celebrity Xcel has been designed to move effortlessly from one experience to the next. Start your morning with coffee overlooking the sea, enjoy long lunches with ocean views, and spend evenings choosing between 18 restaurants and 15 bars and lounges, where everything from familiar favourites to new culinary creations is on the menu. When it's time to slow the pace, the expanded Spa offers a peaceful retreat with thoughtfully designed wellness spaces and treatments, providing the perfect contrast to the energy found elsewhere across the ship.

A new way to experience Europe

Celebrity Xcel proves that a cruise can be about far more than simply travelling between destinations. It's about making the most of every hour, whether that's watching the sunset over the harbour in Lisbon, exploring the colourful streets of Cadiz, taking in the dramatic cliffs of Madeira, or enjoying the atmosphere onboard long after you've left port. By blending immersive experiences at sea with carefully curated European itineraries, Celebrity Xcel offers a refreshing way to experience some of Europe's most iconic destinations in one unforgettable holiday.

To book your European Celebrity Xcel cruise, speak to your Travel Counsellor today.

Where to stay in the Algarve, from villas to boutique retreats

20 August 2026

Choosing where to stay can completely change the feel of an Algarve holiday. Beyond the region’s larger resorts, there are whitewashed villas overlooking the Atlantic, converted village houses in the countryside, intimate design hotels, and peaceful coastal retreats. From the fishing village of Salema to the quieter landscapes around Vila do Bispo and Lagos, these four stays each offer their own take on southern Portugal, whether you want the freedom of a villa, easy access to the beach, or somewhere small and characterful to come back to after a day exploring.

Trade the beach for the streets of Valletta this autumn

19 August 2026

As summer draws to a close, city breaks come back into focus, and few destinations pack as much into a long weekend as Valletta. Malta's compact capital combines centuries of history with a thriving food scene, waterfront views, and a walkable centre that makes it easy to fit plenty into just a few days. With warm autumn temperatures, open-air cafés still spilling onto the streets, and a calendar of events continuing well beyond peak season, it's an easy choice for anyone looking for somewhere that feels both relaxed and full of character.

Why Aphrodite Hills Resort offers more than just a villa holiday

18 August 2026

Set among the rolling hills of Cyprus’ south-west coast, Aphrodite Hills Resort offers much more than a standalone villa or apartment stay. Guests have their own private space, with options ranging from serviced apartments to large villas with private pools, while still having championship golf, tennis and padel courts, restaurants, wellness facilities, and family activities close by. Just 15 minutes from Paphos International Airport, it is a practical choice for couples, families, groups, and longer stays, with added services such as housekeeping, arrival food baskets, breakfast at the Golf Clubhouse, and private chefs available to make the holiday even easier.

Celebrity Xcel is bringing a fresh take to European cruising

Where to stay in the Algarve, from villas to boutique retreats

Trade the beach for the streets of Valletta this autumn

Why Aphrodite Hills Resort offers more than just a villa holiday

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