Celebrity Xcel vs Celebrity Ascent

Celebrity Xcel

Celebrity Xcel, as the newest Edge-class ship launching in 2025, is designed to elevate the modern luxury experience with a fresh, forward-thinking approach. It embraces a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere, blending familiar Celebrity sophistication with groundbreaking new spaces like The Bazaar, which aims to immerse guests in global cultures and festivals. The ship's design, including its iconic Magic Carpet, continues to connect guests intimately with the sea, offering a sleek, contemporary resort-at-sea feel that promises both lively social opportunities and serene relaxation across its 17 decks.

Celebrity Ascent

Celebrity Ascent, launched in 2023, embodies a refined and elegant resort-at-sea ambiance, consistently praised for its sophisticated design and high-end hotel feel. It maintains the innovative spirit of the Edge-class with its outward-facing design, ensuring stunning ocean views from many venues. The ship offers a harmonious blend of chic public spaces, including the iconic Grand Plaza and the tranquil Rooftop Garden with its cantilevered pools. Ascent provides a polished, grown-up environment, focusing on elevated comfort and a seamless blend of luxury and relaxation.

Celebrity Xcel

On Celebrity Xcel, you can expect a sophisticated yet lively atmosphere, drawing a crowd that appreciates innovative experiences and cultural immersion. With a passenger capacity of 3,260, the ship offers a dynamic environment with ample opportunities for both social engagement and personal retreat. The emphasis on new concepts like The Bazaar's festivals and the energetic Pool Club ensures a vibrant daytime scene, while dedicated spaces like The Retreat Lounge offer quieter moments. The guest to staff ratio of nearly 2:1 ensures a high level of personalized service, maintaining an inclusive feel despite the ship's size.

Celebrity Ascent

Celebrity Ascent cultivates a sophisticated and grown-up atmosphere, appealing largely to couples and multi-generational families with older children. Carrying 3,260 passengers and supported by a crew of 1,400, the ship maintains an attentive service ratio. While it offers many lively spots, such as the main Pool Deck with its 'Poolest Day Ever' party, there are also numerous refined areas designed for relaxation, like the adults-only Solarium. The ship’s overall vibe is one of understated elegance, where guests can enjoy a high-end experience without feeling overwhelmed by crowds, though popular venues can certainly get busy.

Celebrity Xcel

Celebrity Xcel introduces exciting new culinary venues, expanding on the Edge-class reputation for diverse dining. Guests can savor regionally inspired dishes at the new Mosaic in The Bazaar, which also hosts a Chef’s Table, or enjoy Mediterranean flavors al fresco at Bora, a new restaurant offering lively brunches and romantic dinners with live music. Complimentary options include the four main dining rooms (Cosmopolitan, Normandie, Cyprus, Tuscan) and the expansive Ocean View Cafe. AquaClass guests have exclusive access to Blu, while suite guests enjoy Luminae with signature dishes from Daniel Boulud. The casual Spice Cafe also provides port-inspired bites.

Celebrity Ascent

Celebrity Ascent boasts a strong culinary program, featuring 32 distinctive restaurants, bars, and lounges. Highlights include the Michelin-starred Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, offering a refined, French-inspired tasting menu. Suite guests benefit from the exclusive Luminae, also featuring Daniel Boulud’s creations. Complimentary options are extensive, with four main dining rooms (Cosmopolitan, Cyprus, Normandie, Tuscan) and the well-regarded Oceanview Cafe buffet. AquaClass guests enjoy Blu's clean cuisine and its new outdoor terrace. Specialty venues like Fine Cut Steakhouse, Raw on 5 for seafood, and the refreshed Eden Restaurant ensure a variety of elevated dining choices.

Celebrity Xcel

Entertainment on Celebrity Xcel pushes the boundaries with innovative new offerings. The Bazaar stands out as a destination-immersive space, hosting daily festivals that bring global cultures to life with performers, dance classes, and local crafts. The Theatre showcases new high-tech production shows like 'Mainstage' and 'Between Takes,' featuring world-class performers. For nightlife, The Club transforms with interactive parties like '254 West' and the comedic 'HOTEL' murder mystery, while the new Attic at The Club offers retro arcade games and billiards for adult-forward fun. The Grand Plaza's Martini Bar remains a lively hub, complemented by the debut of the secret speakeasy, IYKYK.

Celebrity Ascent

Celebrity Ascent offers a captivating array of entertainment and nightlife, building on the Edge-class reputation for high-tech productions and diverse venues. The Theatre features breathtaking new shows like 'Bridges' and 'Awaken,' utilizing impressive visuals and acrobatics. The Grand Plaza, with its iconic Martini Bar and flair bartenders, serves as a central social hub, bustling from day to night. Eden provides multi-sensory experiences and new shows like 'Shimmerbox,' while The Club hosts engaging performances such as 'Smoke & Ivories' and the augmented reality game 'Game On.' The Annex offers private group experiences, including a multi-sport simulator and karaoke, appealing to a wide range of interests.

Celebrity Xcel

Celebrity Xcel features 1,646 cabins across 14 room types, accommodating 3,260 passengers, with over 80% offering balconies. Many are the innovative Infinite Veranda staterooms, which convert the living space into a balcony with the touch of a button. For those seeking ultimate luxury, 215 suites are available, including the expansive Iconic Suites (1,892 sq ft with 689 sq ft veranda), two-story Edge Villas with plunge pools, and spacious Penthouse Suites. Suite guests enjoy exclusive access to The Retreat, with butler service, premium drinks and Wi-Fi, and complimentary dining at Luminae, ensuring an elevated and personalized experience.

Celebrity Ascent

Celebrity Ascent offers a luxurious range of accommodations, with 215 suites and a total of 3,260 passengers. Most cabins (81%) are Infinite Verandas, providing a modern, flexible indoor-outdoor living space. Suites, such as the vast Iconic Suites (2,590 sq ft with 690 sq ft balcony), Edge Villas with private plunge pools, and Penthouse Suites, are meticulously designed. All suite guests are part of The Retreat, benefiting from personalized butler service, exclusive dining at Luminae, and a private sundeck and lounge. Cabins across all categories are modern, featuring king-sized Cashmere mattresses, smart technology, and ample power outlets, catering to a discerning clientele.

Celebrity Xcel

Celebrity Xcel is set to deliver Celebrity's signature 'Relaxed Luxury' with highly personalized service, reflected in its guest to staff ratio of nearly 2:1. The onboard style is contemporary and sophisticated, with a focus on integrating destination experiences into the ship's fabric, notably through The Bazaar's cultural festivals and artisan markets. The overall design emphasizes modern elegance and comfort, offering an inclusive yet upscale environment. Guests can expect attentive service from the Pool Valets to the dedicated concierges and butlers in The Retreat, ensuring a seamless and pampered vacation.

Celebrity Ascent

Celebrity Ascent exemplifies a high-end, resort-style service with a sophisticated onboard style. The ship’s design, often compared to a luxurious hotel, features elegant interiors by Kelly Hoppen and architectural marvels like the Grand Plaza. Service is intuitive and attentive, with a crew of 1,400 catering to 3,260 guests. The Retreat offers an elevated 'ship-within-a-ship' experience with dedicated butlers and exclusive amenities. The overall atmosphere is refined and chic, appealing to guests who appreciate impeccable service and stylish surroundings, from the Martini Bar's flair bartenders to the spa's personalized consultations.

Celebrity Xcel

Celebrity Xcel will debut in the Caribbean in November 2025, focusing on itineraries that leverage its new destination-immersive features. The Bazaar, with its rotating festivals, is specifically designed to bring the culture, flavors, and sounds of the Caribbean ports directly onto the ship. This makes Xcel particularly appealing for travelers who want a deeper connection to the regions they visit, experiencing local music, crafts, and culinary traditions both ashore through excursions and onboard through unique programming.

Celebrity Ascent

Celebrity Ascent offers a variety of itineraries, notably featuring visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Caribbean. This private island destination provides a unique blend of beach relaxation and thrilling activities, from North America's tallest waterslide to exclusive overwater cabanas. Ascent's itineraries are well-suited for guests who appreciate a mix of classic Caribbean port calls with the added excitement and diverse offerings of a private island experience, ensuring a balanced vacation that combines exploration with leisure and adventure.