Home » CRUISE NEWS » New European-Inspired Festivals to Launch on Celebrity Xcel for Mediterranean Cruises
Published on
January 17, 2026
Celebrity Cruises is elevating European travel by introducing the new Celeb Xcel, which will provide a very different and thorough experience in the Mediterranean. The ship will be ready for the new The Bazaar venue to open onboard in May 2026. Celebrity Xcel will connect the guests with four new festivals inspired by Europe and will do it through the new The Bazaar venue, thus revitalising all the flavours, traditions, and vibrations of the Mediterranean while still on the ocean.
Introducing The Bazaar: A First-of-Its-Kind Destination Immersion Experience
Celebrity Xcel’s The Bazaar erases the boundary between ship and shore by allowing guests to continue exploring the Mediterranean long after leaving port. This first-of-its-kind venue blends the authentic culture of the Mediterranean with immersive programming, including local food, beverage offerings, entertainment, and regional crafts. It promises an ever-evolving onboard experience, featuring three-story LED screens and dynamic cultural experiences that reflect the destinations the ship visits, from Florence to Santorini.
Each day, The Bazaar will host a new festival inspired by a different Mediterranean country. These festivals celebrate the vibrancy of the Mediterranean region and its diverse cultures, inviting guests to engage in hands-on activities, sample local dishes, and enjoy unique performances. The immersive nature of The Bazaar ensures that every day is different, offering guests the chance to experience a new facet of Mediterranean culture, whether they are at sea or in port.
Mediterranean Festivals Aboard Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity Xcel’s Mediterranean festivals will showcase some of the region’s most beloved and iconic cultures, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the heart of these countries without leaving the ship.
Opa! Festival – Greek Traditions and Energy
The Opa! Festival will transport guests to Greece with an exciting celebration of Greek culture. During the day, guests will indulge in traditional Greek cuisine, including baklava and moussaka, while crafting “Mati” evil eye jewelry. As the sun sets, the energy rises with live Greek music, where guests can join in the fun, dance, and shout “Opa!” to the rhythm of beloved Greek hits. This vibrant festival captures the spirit of Greece, bringing the country’s warmth and passion to life onboard.
La Dolce Vita Festival – The Sweet Life of Italy
Celebrate the romance of Italy with the La Dolce Vita Festival, where guests can enjoy limoncello and other authentic Italian delights. During the day, guests will partake in hands-on experiences, learning the art of making pasta and tiramisu. In the evening, the festival transforms into a Venetian celebration of elegance, where guests can experience the magic of Venice’s canals and enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere filled with charm and beauty.
Salud Festival – The Bold Spirit of Spain
Spain comes alive with the Salud Festival, which invites guests to embrace the color, rhythm, and passion of Spanish culture. By day, guests will sip sangria, sample delicious local dishes, and create custom flamenco roses and Spanish fans. As night falls, the energy erupts with flamenco dancers and matadors, creating a celebration of Spanish soul that is both bold and unforgettable.
Silk & Spice Festival – Moroccan and Turkish Magic
The Silk & Spice Festival will take guests on a sensory journey through Morocco and Turkey. By day, guests will enjoy fragrant teas, Turkish delight, and immersive cultural activities. At night, energetic music and whirling dancers will captivate guests, bringing the vibrant spirit of Morocco and Turkey to life through rhythm and movement.
Onboard Dining and Cooking Classes Inspired by the Mediterranean
Beyond the festivals, guests will also enjoy culinary delights from the Mediterranean. Mosaic, an open kitchen concept, will serve reimagined Mediterranean dishes inspired by cities like Naples, Mykonos, and Lisbon. Spice, a more casual dining option, will offer rotating dishes inspired by the ship’s port destinations, giving guests a taste of the Mediterranean wherever they sail.
Chef’s Studio at Mosaic will offer guests the opportunity to learn the art of Mediterranean cooking with destination-inspired cooking classes. Guests can discover regional delicacies from the places they visit, adding new recipes to their culinary repertoire while enjoying the fruits of their labor.
Celebrity Xcel’s Mediterranean Voyages: Explore Europe in Comfort and Style
Celebrity Xcel will sail on seven- to 11-night Mediterranean voyages, starting in May 2026. The ship will depart from Barcelona and Athens, with itineraries that include overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal, giving guests more time to explore this beautiful destination. Whether guests are visiting the romantic streets of Florence or the breathtaking views of Santorini, they will have the chance to immerse themselves in the culture of each destination before returning to the ship to continue their exploration through The Bazaar and the Mediterranean festivals.
Experience the Mediterranean Like Never Before on Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Xcel is set to completely transform the whole Mediterranean cruise experience by providing people with a cultural experience that is actually an immersive one. The ship’s festivals, inspired by the four different European regions, along with the onboard innovative programming, and the dining and activities reflecting the destination, are the features of the Celebrity Xcel cruise that will elevate the experience of the Mediterranean not only onshore but also at sea. From May 2026 onwards, the passengers can enjoy a brand new standard of luxury and adventure in the Mediterranean with Celebrity Xcel.
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