Celebrity Cruises has unveiled an innovative approach to cruise entertainment and engagement with its new ship, the Celebrity Xcel. Central to this experience is a dedicated venue named “The Bazaar,” designed to encapsulate the cultural essence of the regions the ship visits. This concept aims to transform the cruise experience into a vibrant tapestry of art, music, cuisine, and shopping, making every aspect of the journey journey resonate with the destinations.
The Bazaar, occupying the space of the Eden restaurant on other Edge-class ships, is set to morph daily according to the ship’s current port of call. This space will feature an array of festivals celebrating local traditions and artisanship, allowing guests to engage directly with the cultures they are traversing. Laura Hodges Bethge, Celebrity Cruises’ president, articulates the importance of this initiative, emphasizing that it aims to deliver immersive experiences that bridge the gap between onboard luxury and authentic regional experiences.
One of the defining features of The Bazaar will be its dynamic marketplace. Local artisans will showcase their products, while guests can partake in hands-on activities such as crafting and cooking workshops. These efforts not only enhance the overall cruising experience but also promote local craftsmanship. In this vein, festival themes will rotate, touching on aspects of local culture—guests might enjoy rum and chocolate pairings one day and participate in local hot sauce tastings or basket-weaving demonstrations the next. Such a multifaceted approach ensures that each day aboard the ship offers something fresh and exciting.
Notably, the upcoming Mediterranean seasons in 2026 will further expand The Bazaar’s offerings. The venue will adapt to incorporate regionally inspired culinary experiences, as well as special markets that spotlight local gastronomy, reinforcing the connection between food and culture. An open-kitchen dining concept named Mosaic will provide guests with an opportunity to enjoy local dishes, skillfully crafted and elegantly presented. Additionally, for those eager to develop their culinary skills, Mosaic promises an immersive cooking school experience where guests can learn to prepare regional dishes, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the diverse cuisines they’ve encountered.
What sets Celebrity Cruises apart in this initiative is its commitment to guest involvement. Through the Dream Makers initiative, cruisers will have a platform to provide input on various elements of The Bazaar. This not only fosters a sense of community but also ensures that the offerings resonate more with guests’ preferences and expectations.
The Celebrity Xcel is set to embark on its inaugural journeys in November, focusing on seven-night cruises from Fort Lauderdale to a variety of Caribbean locales. As it prepares for its transition to Europe in 2026, the interest in this unique venue underscores a growing trend within the cruise industry—merging luxury travel with authentic cultural immersion, one destination at a time. By implementing creative concepts like The Bazaar, Celebrity Cruises is poised to redefine how guests experience the confluence of sea travel and diverse cultural landscapes.