Ship Comparison
Celebrity Xcel vs Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Xcel elevates the Edge-class experience with fresh, immersive venues and refined dining, while Celebrity Apex offers a proven, sophisticated modern luxury journey with innovative design and diverse entertainment.
The verdict
Choosing between Celebrity Xcel and Celebrity Apex comes down to a subtle shift in emphasis within Celebrity's modern luxury philosophy. Xcel, as the newest ship, introduces exciting, destination-centric innovations, particularly in dining and entertainment, that promise a deeper cultural immersion. Apex, while a few years older, remains a highly-rated, beautifully designed vessel that delivers a consistently polished and sophisticated experience. If you prioritize the very latest in immersive experiences and don't mind a slightly larger ship, Xcel is an excellent choice. If you prefer a slightly more intimate feel with a proven track record of modern luxury, Apex will not disappoint.
Choose Celebrity Xcel if…
Travelers eager for the very latest in Celebrity's modern luxury, particularly those seeking innovative, destination-immersive experiences and elevated dining, along with vibrant, interactive entertainment.
Best for
- The Modern Luxury Seeker
- The Culinary Explorer
- The Entertainment Seeker
- The Social & Active Traveler
- The Wellness & Relaxation Enthusiast
- The Family with Teens
Avoid if
- You prefer traditional balconies over Infinite Verandas
- You are sensitive to potential noise from public areas in certain cabins
- You prefer a very quiet ship with no bustling areas
Choose Celebrity Apex if…
Guests who appreciate a refined, sophisticated cruise experience with a focus on contemporary design, diverse culinary options, and a balance of lively and serene spaces, all delivered with attentive service.
Best for
- The Modern Connoisseur
- The Luxury Retreat Seeker
- The Social & Nightlife Enthusiast
- The Wellness & Serenity Seeker
- The Modern Family Explorer
Avoid if
- You are looking for waterslides or high-thrill activities
- You prefer all spa thermal suite access to be complimentary
- You dislike bustling central areas on a ship
Overall Vibe
Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity Xcel, launching in 2025, is designed to push the Edge® Series' boundaries even further, emphasizing destination immersion and elevated experiences. Her overall feel is one of sophisticated discovery, blending familiar Celebrity luxury with exciting new concepts. Innovative spaces like The Bazaar celebrate local cultures through food, crafts, and entertainment, creating a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere for 3,260 guests across her decks. It's a fresh take on modern cruising, inviting guests to connect with the world around them.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex, launched in 2020, stands as a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Rated resort at sea, embodying modern luxury with its signature outward-facing design. This vessel, accommodating 2,910 passengers, offers a balanced blend of relaxation and sophisticated activity. Visionary spaces like the Magic Carpet and Eden contribute to a consistently premium and serene ambiance without feeling overly formal. Apex provides a polished, established Edge-class experience that has garnered widespread acclaim for its thoughtful design and comfortable elegance.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Celebrity Xcel
With a guest capacity of 3,260 passengers, Celebrity Xcel cultivates a lively and inclusive atmosphere, yet maintains an air of sophistication. The ship's design encourages interaction through new concepts like The Bazaar's vibrant festivals and the communal Celebrity Pool Club, offering a dynamic social energy. Despite her size, thoughtful layouts and a favorable guest-to-crew ratio ensure personalized service, appealing to travelers eager to engage with cultures while enjoying refined comfort. Dedicated enclaves like The Retreat provide tranquil escapes.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex offers a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere for its 2,910 passengers, striking a harmonious balance between vibrant social hubs and serene retreats. With a crew count of 1,536, the ship maintains a good guest-to-crew ratio, ensuring attentive service. While areas like the Grand Plaza and The Club can be quite lively in the evenings, the adult-only Solarium and the expansive Rooftop Garden offer quieter spaces. Apex appeals to those who seek modern luxury in a generally calm and refined environment.
Dining
Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity Xcel introduces several new culinary venues that emphasize regional and experiential dining. Mosaic at The Bazaar offers regionally inspired dishes and a unique Chef's Table experience, while Bora brings Mediterranean alfresco dining with a lively brunch and romantic dinners, featuring exclusive Sea Soul wines. Guests can also enjoy four complimentary main dining rooms (Cosmopolitan, Normandie, Cyprus, Tuscan), a casual Spice Cafe, and the exclusive Luminae for suite guests with Daniel Boulud's signature dishes, ensuring a diverse and elevated culinary journey.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex presents a diverse culinary landscape with its four complimentary main dining rooms: Tuscan, Cyprus, Cosmopolitan, and Normandie, each offering unique menus. The innovative Eden Restaurant provides an open-kitchen experience with stunning wake views, while specialty options like Fine Cut Steakhouse and Raw on 5 cater to discerning palates. For a whimsical touch, Le Petit Chef offers an animated dinner show. AquaClass guests enjoy exclusive healthier options at Blu, ensuring a wide array of choices for every meal.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Celebrity Xcel
The entertainment on Celebrity Xcel is designed for immersive engagement and dynamic experiences. The state-of-the-art Theatre showcases new, technologically advanced production shows like 'Between Takes' and 'Chapters.' The Bazaar hosts vibrant, destination-inspired festivals with live music and costumed performers, creating a unique cultural spectacle. For nightlife, The Club transforms with interactive parties such as '254 West' and 'Hotel,' complemented by the new Attic game room for adults and the secret IYKYK speakeasy for more intimate evenings.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex offers a vibrant and sophisticated entertainment scene. The Theatre features high-tech production shows like 'Rockumentary,' 'Tree of Life,' and 'Crystallize,' blending music, acrobatics, and cutting-edge effects. Eden transforms nightly with 'Wonder at Eden' events, creating an evolving sensory experience with performers and themed cocktails. The Club serves as a versatile space for daytime activities and energetic evening performances, including the circus-themed 'Caravan,' ensuring a dynamic and engaging nightlife for guests.
Cabins & Suites
Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity Xcel features 1,646 cabins, including 215 suites and 32 solo staterooms, accommodating 3,260 passengers. Most cabins boast the innovative Infinite Veranda, which seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor space, though traditionalists might prefer the spacious Sunset Verandas at the aft. All beds come with Cashmere™ Mattresses for ultimate comfort. Suite guests enjoy exclusive access to The Retreat's perks, such as butler service and Luminae dining. However, be aware of potential noise in cabins on Deck 3 behind the Martini Bar or Deck 6 above The Club.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex provides modern accommodations for 2,910 passengers, with a majority of staterooms featuring the innovative Infinite Veranda concept. Suite guests enjoy the ultimate luxury with access to The Retreat, including Luminae restaurant, a private sundeck, and personalized butler service. Across its diverse range, from the expansive Iconic Suites to the well-appointed Inside Staterooms, all cabins are designed with contemporary aesthetics, king-sized Cashmere™ Mattresses, and smart automation for a comfortable stay, including 25 accessible options.
Service & Onboard Style
Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity Xcel upholds the cruise line’s 'Relaxed Luxury' ethos, elevating it with a strong focus on personalized touches and destination immersion. The crew delivers attentive and friendly service across all areas, with suite guests benefiting from dedicated butler service and a Destination Experience Specialist within The Retreat. The onboard style is chic and contemporary, featuring new interactive elements like the Celebrity Flagship Store, which offers personalized keepsakes and immersive exhibits, creating a modern and engaging atmosphere for guests.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex embodies a refined and sophisticated onboard style, characterized by sleek, modern design elements from renowned interior designer Kelly Hoppen. The service is consistently polished and attentive, with a strong emphasis on personalized care, particularly for guests in The Retreat who benefit from dedicated butlers and exclusive lounges. The overall ambiance is one of understated elegance, fostering a relaxed yet luxurious environment that appeals to discerning travelers seeking a premium experience without excessive fanfare.
Best Itineraries
Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity Xcel is set to debut in the Caribbean in November 2025, with itineraries specifically designed to complement her new onboard features. The ship's innovative The Bazaar will host four distinct, destination-inspired festivals (Viva, Flora, Carnival, Aqua), immersing guests in the authentic cultures, flavors, and traditions of the Caribbean ports she visits. This unique approach promises a truly enriching and vibrant tropical escape, blurring the lines between ship and shore for a deeply connected travel experience.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex offers diverse itineraries, including voyages to the Caribbean, often featuring calls at Perfect Day at CocoCay. This award-winning private island destination provides a wide array of activities, from the serene Coco Beach Club to the thrilling Thrill Waterpark, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. Whether guests seek cultural excursions or lively beach days, Apex's routes are designed to provide varied and engaging experiences across its chosen destinations, appealing to a broad range of travelers.
What reviewers say
Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity Xcel successfully elevates the Edge-class experience, introducing innovative new venues like The Bazaar and Bora while enhancing entertainment and dining. It blends familiar luxury with exciting transformations, setting a new direction for the brand.
Celebrity Apex
5/5Celebrity Apex redefines modern luxury cruising, blending innovative design with a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere. It excels in diverse dining, vibrant nightlife, and unique features like the Magic Carpet, offering a premium experience without being stuffy.
Itineraries to compare
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Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity Apex
Read our guides
In-depth guides on the ships and cruise lines in this comparison.

Ship Guide
Celebrity Xcel: Next-Gen Luxury Cruise Experience
Experience new venues like The Bazaar & Bora, reimagined dining, and enhanced entertainment on Celebrity's newest ship.

Ship Guide
Experience Modern Luxury on Celebrity Apex Cruises
Indulge in a premium cruise experience with diverse dining, vibrant entertainment, and refined service aboard the Celebrity Apex.
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