In an era where travellers seek more meaningful experiences, Celebrity Cruises continues to lead with innovation by unveiling an entirely new way to explore destinations while still at sea. When Celebrity Xcel debuts, guests will find themselves immersed in "The Bazaar," a multi-level, ever-evolving space that celebrates the culture, flavours, and spirit of each destination the ship visits. Inspired by the traditions of global marketplaces and cultural festivals, this new venue is set to redefine how cruise guests connect with the places they explore.
What makes The Bazaar by Celebrity Cruises truly unique is its transformation from day to day. No two visits will be the same. Celebrity Cruises has carefully curated this space to blend onboard luxury with the spirit of local festivals and artisan markets. On Caribbean sailings, for example, four unique destination-inspired festivals will take place onboard, reflecting the local music, culinary arts, crafts, and traditions of each region. From rum and chocolate pairings to live performances by local musicians and artisans, The Bazaar brings the shore aboard in vibrant and unexpected ways.
For guests who love connecting with local culture, the Market at The Bazaar offers rotating hands-on experiences. Picture live basket-weaving demonstrations, embroidery sessions, and a curated mix of local artisan products such as traditional leather hats and handcrafted souvenirs. These offerings not only support local communities but also give travellers an opportunity to take a piece of the journey home with them in a more meaningful way.
Gastronomy plays a pivotal role in how we experience the world, and The Bazaar elevates this with its variety of food concepts. Mosaic, the open-kitchen destination dining venue, will showcase elevated, reimagined dishes inspired by the regions on the itinerary. The setting is informal yet sophisticated, offering rotating menus aligned with the ship's destination festivals.
A standout feature is the Chef's Table at Mosaic, a multi-course tasting experience curated by Celebrity's global culinary leadership. Each dish is a tribute to the chefs' heritage, evoking personal childhood memories through elevated presentation and expertly paired wines. For guests who want to take their culinary experience a step further, Chef's Studio offers cooking classes based on each port visited. It's not just about eating; it's about connecting with food at its cultural roots.
And for those craving a casual bite with a side of panoramic ocean views, Spice delivers a rotating selection of small plates influenced by each destination. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a café-style ambience, it's the perfect spot to sip, savour, and reflect on the day's adventures.
What sets The Bazaar apart from other cruise ship attractions is its ability to deeply immerse guests in both destination-inspired entertainment and local culture. The festivals are not confined to food and crafts; they extend into curated performances, dance classes, pop-up concerts, and even themed afterparties. It's a full-sensory immersion that extends your time ashore without ever leaving the ship.
As Celebrity Xcel transitions to her European season in 2026, The Bazaar will seamlessly adapt, with Mediterranean-focused themes, cuisine, and local artist showcases. Expect olive oil tastings in homage to Greece, flamenco dance sessions inspired by Spain, and Italian market-style pop-ups—all reflecting the unique flair of each region.
Another highlight is Celebrity Cruises' Xcel 'Dream Makers' program, a collaborative initiative where cruisers worldwide contribute to the ship's design and offerings. Guests will have a say in shaping The Bazaar experience, from selecting Mosaic's menu items to choosing the entertainment that brings each festival to life. This commitment to co-creation ensures The Bazaar remains a dynamic, ever-evolving space tailored to the desires of modern travellers.
Even once ashore, Celebrity Cruises ensures that the immersive experience continues. With authentic shore excursions like the Chef's Market Discoveries and small-group cultural tours, guests can explore regional cuisines and traditions in depth. A standout is the Royal Beach Club in Nassau, set to debut in 2025, offering a Bahamian cultural escape complete with local fare, live music, and the world's largest swim-up bar.
If the fusion of travel, taste and tradition aboard Celebrity Xcel excites you, it's time to start planning your next cultural voyage. Use our Cruise Finder to explore upcoming sailings featuring The Bazaar, and see which region-inspired festival you'll join at sea. Whether you’re drawn to the Caribbean’s rhythm or the Mediterranean’s charm, Celebrity Xcel offers a spectacular gateway to both.
Whether you're a seasoned traveller or planning your first cruise, The Bazaar aboard Celebrity Xcel offers a truly transformational experience that connects you more deeply with the world. With its rich blend of culture, cuisine and co-creation, this is not just another cruise feature—it's a celebration of global discovery. Get in touch with our team to book your passage aboard Celebrity Xcel and become part of the festival that never stops.