Celebrity Cruises Reveals New Mediterranean Festivals on Celebrity Xcel

Celebrity Cruises has revealed fresh details about what guests can expect onboard Celebrity Xcel as the ship sails through Europe this summer. The cruise line confirmed that guests will be able to enjoy four brand-new destination-inspired festivals at The Bazaar, a space created to keep the spirit of each destination alive even after the ship leaves port.

Since its debut in November, The Bazaar has quickly become a standout feature on Celebrity Xcel. The concept was designed to blur the line between onboard life and shore experiences, letting guests stay connected to local culture during sea days. According to Celebrity Cruises, this approach has already changed how travelers experience destinations at sea.

Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, shared that The Bazaar has reshaped destination immersion across the ship. She explained that the space allows guests to stay surrounded by local culture, flavors, and entertainment long after they return from shore excursions.

Bethge also highlighted how sea days now feel very different onboard Celebrity Xcel. The Bazaar’s layout and programming bring food, drinks, music, and activities together into one connected experience. She added that the cruise line is excited to refresh the concept again, bringing the energy of the Mediterranean onboard throughout every European sailing.

What Makes The Bazaar Special

The Bazaar is designed to blend onboard and in-port moments in a natural way. Instead of feeling like a typical cruise venue, it changes based on the regions the ship visits. Guests can expect:

• Destination-inspired festivals
• Artisan markets featuring local goods
• Hands-on cultural activities
• Regionally influenced food and drinks
• Live entertainment connected to each destination

Celebrity Cruises stated that these festivals are built to reflect the heart of each region, using music, flavors, craftsmanship, and performance to tell a story guests can feel.

The New Festivals Include the Following:

• Opa Festival: This festival brings the lively traditions of Greece onboard. Guests can enjoy Greek-inspired food, music, and activities that reflect the country’s high-energy culture and social spirit.
• La Dolce Vita Festival: Focused on Italy, this festival celebrates Italian flavors, style, and romance. Guests can sample limoncello and other Italian favorites while enjoying experiences inspired by classic Italian living.
• Salud Festival: This festival captures the color and rhythm of Spain. Flamenco dancers, matador-inspired performances, and bold Spanish influences help bring the country’s culture to life onboard.
• Silk & Spice Festival: Inspired by Morocco and Turkey, this festival offers a rich sensory experience. Guests are surrounded by spices, music, and dance that reflect the deep cultural traditions of these regions.

Food Takes Center Stage at The Bazaar

Dining plays a big role in the Bazaar experience. Celebrity Cruises shared that one of the highlights is Mosaic, an open-kitchen concept serving updated dishes inspired by cities such as Naples, Mykonos, and Lisbon. Guests can watch dishes come together while enjoying bold regional flavors.

Another venue, Spice, offers casual daytime dining with rotating small bites. The menu changes to match the regions being highlighted, giving guests new flavors to try throughout the voyage.

Food lovers can also take part in Chef’s Studio at Mosaic, Celebrity’s first destination-inspired cooking school. Here, guests can learn how to prepare regional dishes while picking up tips directly from Celebrity chefs.

With these new festivals and dining experiences, Celebrity Cruises continues to reshape how culture is experienced at sea, making Celebrity Xcel a strong choice for travelers sailing through Europe this summer.