MIAMI — Celebrity Cruises is breaking new ground by inviting future cruisers to design their ultimate vacation experience aboard its latest billion-dollar ship, Celebrity Xcel, launching in November 2025.
Through an innovative initiative called Xcel ‘Dream Makers,’ travellers will shape the ship’s key offerings, from menus to entertainment and interior design. Dream Makers marks a first for the cruise industry, opening the design process to input from guests. Participants will contribute through online polls and exclusive in-person events, determining the final selections that will debut aboard the fifth vessel in Celebrity’s award-winning Edge Series.
“We want to ensure our guests love our products and experiences, so involving them in the process to perfect Celebrity Xcel was a great way to achieve this,” said Michael Scheiner, Celebrity Cruises’ chief marketing and product officer. “When Xcel launches, guests won’t have just found their happy place – they’ll have helped us build it.”
A New Level of Guest-Centric Design
The Dream Makers will be empowered to make final decisions on various elements of the ship’s offerings. Participants will:
- Choose textiles, manage interior design elements and curate service concepts for key areas
- Select dishes and beverages, influence table settings and shape dining themes
- Help create headline shows by picking props, costumes, playlists and even selecting entertainment positions onboard
These contributions will influence seven new, yet-to-be-revealed onboard experiences, enhancing the Celebrity Xcel’s status as a standout ship in modern cruise innovation.
Sustainability and Technological Innovation
Celebrity Xcel recently achieved a significant construction milestone, floating out of dry dock at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. This marks the completion of its exterior structure.
In line with Royal Caribbean Group’s Destination Net Zero strategy, Celebrity Xcel will feature the first tri-fuel engine in the fleet. This cutting-edge technology advances the company’s ambition of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Exciting Itineraries Await
After its grand debut from Fort Lauderdale, Celebrity Xcel will offer seven-night itineraries across the Bahamas, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Summer 2026 will see the ship embarking on its inaugural European season, featuring seven- to 11-night Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona and Athens. For a more immersive experience, select sailings will include overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.
For more information or to join the Dream Makers program, visit www.celebritycruises.com/xceldreammakers.
