Celebrity Xcel

Who this ship suits

Xcel suits adults and couples who want a modern ship where design, food and drink matter more than rides. She also suits travelers who would book a suite and want a ship-within-a-ship: The Retreat has its own spaces and is priced as a separate tier.

Families can sail her, since Celebrity is not an adults-only line. But the new spaces on this ship are a pool club, bars and a market, not a waterpark or a kids' neighborhood. If your children want slides and a full day of organized activity, a Royal Caribbean or Disney ship will suit them better.

The ship itself

Xcel is the fifth Edge Series ship. If you have sailed Celebrity Beyond or Ascent, the layout and the series' signature spaces will be familiar:

• Magic Carpet: a platform on the side of the ship that moves between decks.
• Grand Plaza: the central gathering space.
• Sunset Bar: a multi-level outdoor bar.
• The Retreat: the suite guests' area.

Celebrity lists seven spaces that are new on this ship: The Bazaar (built around the culture, food and festivals of the destinations on the itinerary), the Celebrity Pool Club (games and live music by day, a DJ party at night), Bora, the Attic at The Club, Celebrity Flagship, a new spa, and IYKYK.

At 141,420 gross tons and 3,248 guests, she has about 43 gross tons per guest, which is generous for a ship of her size. With 1,400 crew, there are roughly 2.3 guests per crew member.

What to know before you book

• The difference between Xcel and her older sisters is the set of new spaces above. If those do not appeal, an earlier Edge Series ship on the same itinerary may cost less.
• The Retreat is a separate fare tier with its own areas and inclusions. Compare it as a different product, not as an upgrade on a balcony cabin.
• We have not verified this ship's kids' program age bands or her accessible-cabin counts. Ask Celebrity directly before you book if either matters to you.