Home » TRAVEL EVENT NEWS » How Celebrity Xcel is Transforming Mediterranean Cruises for Tourists from Spain, Italy, Greece, and Morocco in 2026
Published on
January 17, 2026
Celebrity Cruises has announced an exciting new addition to its offerings for the 2026 European season. The Celebrity Xcel will feature four unique rotating Mediterranean festivals, aimed at immersing passengers in the vibrant cultures of different European and Mediterranean destinations. The ship will sail from key ports in Barcelona and Piraeus, offering passengers the opportunity to explore new themes and engage with local cultures through food, art, and entertainment.
The four festivals—Opa (Greece), La Dolce Vita (Italy), Salud (Spain), and Silk & Spice (Morocco and Turkey)—are designed to bring the essence of each region directly to the ship. These festivals will rotate throughout the summer, enriching the cruise experience with hands-on activities, authentic local food and drinks, artisan markets, and pop-up performances. Passengers will be fully immersed in the customs and traditions of each destination, even when the ship is out at sea.
Immersive Cultural Experiences at Sea
Each of the festivals on Celebrity Xcel is carefully crafted to provide an immersive cultural experience, making the most of the ship’s unique destination-themed venue, known as The Bazaar. This venue will serve as a hub for the rotating festivals, offering a mix of interactive crafts, entertainment, food, and local traditions.
Opa (Greece) celebrates the joyous spirit of Greek culture. Passengers will be invited to create traditional evil eye jewelry, sample iconic dishes such as baklava and moussaka, and experience the exuberant energy of Greek live music and dancing. As the party atmosphere takes hold, napkins will twirl and guests will find themselves swept into the festivities.La Dolce Vita (Italy) offers a taste of the Italian way of life. This festival allows cruisers to try their hand at making classic Italian dishes, such as pasta and tiramisu, while savoring limoncello. As night falls, the venue transforms into a beautiful homage to Venetian elegance, with the atmosphere capturing the charm and romance of Italy.Salud (Spain) brings the spirited traditions of Spain to life. Guests will be able to craft Spanish fans and flamenco roses, taste refreshing sangria, and watch an exciting flamenco performance. The night will come alive with the dramatic presence of flamenco dancers and matadors, immersing everyone in the passion and vibrancy of Spain.Silk & Spice (Morocco and Turkey) offers a glimpse into the exotic cultures of Morocco and Turkey. Passengers will have the opportunity to enjoy fragrant teas, sample Turkish delight, and witness mesmerizing performances by whirling dancers. This festival creates a sensory experience that transports visitors to the heart of the Middle East and North Africa.Culinary Delights and Hands-On Experiences
Food plays a central role in each of these festivals, and Celebrity Xcel ensures that guests have the chance to truly engage with the culinary traditions of each destination. In addition to the festivals, the ship offers the Chef’s Studio at Mosaic, a destination-inspired cooking school where regional dishes are prepared in line with the current festival theme. Passengers can learn to create their favorite Mediterranean dishes and gain hands-on experience in cooking techniques from local chefs.
The ship’s Mosaic restaurant, with its open kitchen, also provides dishes inspired by the flavors of iconic cities such as Naples, Mykonos, and Lisbon. Meanwhile, the casual dining concept Spice will offer rotating bites throughout the day, including special items tied to the ports the ship visits. This focus on authentic regional cuisine ensures that the dining experience on board mirrors the diverse culinary traditions of the Mediterranean.
Enhanced Entertainment and Retail Offerings
Beyond the culinary offerings, The Bazaar will also feature an array of retail enrichment activations and live entertainment. Local artisan markets will provide passengers with the opportunity to purchase handcrafted goods and souvenirs that reflect the cultural heritage of each Mediterranean destination. The festive environment will be complemented by performances from local musicians, creating a lively atmosphere that captures the spirit of each country.
These immersive experiences aim to keep passengers engaged during the sea days, transforming what could be ordinary travel time into a captivating cultural journey. Celebrity Cruises has designed The Bazaar concept to ensure that every moment of the cruise is filled with rich, authentic experiences, whether guests are on land or at sea.
Celebrity Xcel’s Inaugural European Season
Celebrity Xcel’s Mediterranean voyages will kick off in May 2026, with a series of seven to eleven-night cruises. The itineraries will include new overnight stays in Madeira, giving guests the chance to experience the island’s beauty for an extended period. This season marks the ship’s debut in European waters, and the rotating festivals will provide a fresh and engaging way to experience the Mediterranean, far beyond the typical cruise port visits.
Since The Bazaar debuted on Celebrity Xcel during the Caribbean season in late 2025, it has been praised for enveloping guests in the culture of the destinations visited. Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge has emphasized the impact of the concept, stating that sea days have been transformed into a cohesive experience that extends the cultural richness of the ports of call into the ship itself.
Conclusion: A New Standard for Cultural Immersion at Sea
With its rotating festivals, hands-on culinary experiences, and immersive cultural activities, Celebrity Xcel’s 2026 Mediterranean season promises to redefine the cruise experience. By blending authentic food, music, crafts, and performances from iconic Mediterranean destinations, the ship will provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity for travelers to fully embrace the diverse cultures of the Mediterranean. Celebrity Xcel is poised to become the go-to cruise for anyone seeking an enriched and engaging voyage through some of the world’s most beautiful and culturally rich regions.
Dining and Cooking