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Greece Italy Spain Portugal Turkey Set Sail on the Ultimate Mediterranean Adventure With Celebrity Xcel’s Cultural and Culinary Celebrations
Published on
January 19, 2026
Celebrity Cruises has announced a new initiative for its upcoming summer 2026 season, introducing four Mediterranean-inspired festivals aboard the Celebrity Xcel. The announcement comes as the cruise line strives to elevate its destination immersion concept, The Bazaar, a unique space on the ship designed to bring the culture, flavours, and traditions of Mediterranean destinations directly to the cruise experience.
Introduction of Mediterranean Festivals
The four new festivals will bring an exciting blend of culture, cuisine, and entertainment to the Mediterranean itineraries on Celebrity Xcel, marking the ship’s inaugural summer season in Europe. Celebrity Cruises’ president, Laura Hodges Bethge, highlighted the importance of these immersive cultural experiences, noting that the success of The Bazaar has transformed onboard activities, allowing guests to remain connected with the destinations visited even while at sea. The goal is to extend the time spent exploring Mediterranean culture beyond just port visits.
The four Mediterranean-inspired festivals that will take centre stage aboard Celebrity Xcel are:
The Opa Festival – Celebrating Greek Traditions The Opa Festival will showcase the vibrant traditions of Greece, featuring a dynamic blend of daytime and evening experiences. Guests will indulge in Greek delicacies like baklava and moussaka while also participating in craft activities such as creating “Mati” evil eye jewellery. As the sun sets, the ship will come alive with Greek music, encouraging guests to join in dancing and celebrate Greek culture.
La Dolce Vita Festival – Immersing in Italian Culture The La Dolce Vita Festival will bring the elegance and flavours of Italy aboard. The daytime activities will offer guests the chance to sample Italian specialties, including limoncello and the art of making pasta and tiramisu. In the evening, the atmosphere will evoke Venetian-inspired themes, with an elegant dining experience that showcases Italy’s finest culinary traditions.
Salud Festival – A Spanish Celebration of Food and Dance Embracing the spirited nature of Spain, the Salud Festival will offer guests an immersion into Spanish culture. During the day, attendees will have the opportunity to sample regional dishes and enjoy refreshing sangria. Evening entertainment will include flamenco performances and traditional Spanish dances, adding to the celebratory ambiance that defines Spain’s rich cultural identity.
Silk & Spice Festival – Inspired by Morocco and Turkey The Silk & Spice Festival will delve into the vibrant cultures of Morocco and Turkey, bringing the essence of these regions’ history and food to Celebrity Xcel. Guests will enjoy Moroccan tea tastings and Turkish delights while participating in craft activities. Evenings will feature mesmerizing performances of traditional music and the iconic whirling dance of Turkish heritage.
The Bazaar Experience
Central to these cultural festivals is The Bazaar, an immersive three-story venue that will be transformed to reflect each Mediterranean destination. Designed to blend onboard and in-port experiences, The Bazaar will feature regional cuisine, live performances, and interactive activities that make each Mediterranean festival come to life. From local artisan products to hands-on activities, guests will have the chance to engage with the culture in a way that extends beyond what is traditionally available on cruise ships.
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The Bazaar’s design features spatial elements that will adapt to the various Mediterranean destinations the ship visits, from Florence to Santorini. This dynamic venue will also serve as a marketplace where local artisans can showcase their handcrafted goods, including food items and traditional craftworks. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs, further connecting them to the Mediterranean cultures that are celebrated aboard.
The Culinary Experience
Celebrity Xcel will feature two new dining concepts, Mosaic and Spice, designed to bring Mediterranean flavours into the cruise experience. At Mosaic, an open-kitchen concept, guests will experience reinterpreted dishes inspired by Mediterranean cities such as Naples, Mykonos, and Lisbon. Spice, a casual dining venue, will offer rotating menus inspired by the regions visited, allowing guests to enjoy an evolving selection of Mediterranean dishes.
In addition to these venues, Chef’s Studio at Mosaic will serve as Celebrity Cruises’ first destination-inspired cooking school. Guests will have the chance to learn how to prepare regional dishes featured during the festivals and gain firsthand knowledge of Mediterranean culinary techniques.
Immersive Onboard and Ashore
Celebrity Xcel’s Mediterranean itineraries, which will run from May 2026, will feature stops in some of Europe’s most iconic destinations, including Florence, Palma de Mallorca, Santorini, and Mykonos. The itineraries will offer a mix of seven to 11-night cruises, with new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal, giving guests additional time to explore the destination.
The Mediterranean festivals aboard Celebrity Xcel represent the cruise line’s continued commitment to destination immersion. By bringing the culture, food, and traditions of Europe’s Mediterranean regions directly to the guests, Celebrity Cruises aims to enhance the overall cruise experience, ensuring that the journey is as much about the onboard experience as it is about the destinations visited.
Conclusion
Celebrity Cruises’ Mediterranean-inspired festivals aboard Celebrity Xcel offer a unique opportunity for guests to experience the culture and flavours of the Mediterranean in an entirely new way. From Greek traditions to Italian elegance, Spanish excitement, and Moroccan spice, these onboard celebrations are set to redefine what it means to explore the Mediterranean by sea. Guests will have the chance to immerse themselves fully in the rich cultural tapestry of the Mediterranean, whether they are on board or ashore.
As Celebrity Xcel embarks on its inaugural Mediterranean season, it promises to deliver not only a luxurious cruise experience but also an enriching cultural journey that will leave lasting memories for all guests. With the integration of these exciting festivals, Celebrity Xcel is poised to become the ultimate choice for those seeking both adventure and cultural discovery on the high seas.
Dining and Cooking