In an exciting industry first, Celebrity Cruises is inviting travelers to dream up their perfect vacation aboard the new Celebrity Xcel® through its innovative Xcel ‘Dream MakersSM’ program. This global initiative allows vacationers to contribute their ideas and preferences across culinary, entertainment, and interior design to help finalize the cruise line’s newest billion-dollar ship, set to launch in November 2025.
A Collaborative Approach
Celebrity Cruises aims to involve its guests in the decision-making process to ensure their satisfaction with the final product. Michael Scheiner, Chief Marketing and Product Officer of Celebrity Cruises, shares, “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. Celebrity Cruises is known for groundbreaking innovation in ship design and experiences unlike any other at sea. When Xcel launches, guests won’t have just found their happy place, they’ll have helped us build it.”
The Role of Dream Makers
Dream Makers, passionate contributors from around the world, will have the final say on key elements of the Celebrity Xcel’s offerings. Through online polls and unique experiential in-person events, the public will help perfect the ship’s design, culinary, and entertainment options. They will put their skills to the test by:
- Choosing textiles, managing interior design elements, and curating service offerings.
- Selecting their favorite dishes and beverages, choosing table settings, and shaping dining concepts.
- Providing input on headline shows, curating props and costumes, selecting playlists, and participating in decisions for pivotal entertainment positions onboard.
Pushing Boundaries of Leisure Travel
With the help of Dream Makers, the Celebrity Xcel is set to push the boundaries of leisure travel. The ship celebrated a major milestone on January 18, floating out of dry dock at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. This float-out ceremony marked the completion of the ship’s exterior, bringing it one step closer to welcoming guests.
The Celebrity Xcel will also advance Royal Caribbean Group’s commitment to sustainability with its first tri-fuel capable engine, representing a significant step toward Destination Net Zero, the company’s vision for net-zero emissions by 2050.
Inaugural Voyages
Celebrity Xcel’s inaugural season will launch from Fort Lauderdale, offering seven-night itineraries to the Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. In Summer 2026, the ship will embark on her inaugural European season with seven- to eleven-night journeys from Barcelona and Athens, including new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.
Join the Dream Makers
Those interested in joining the Xcel ‘Dream Makers’ can learn more and get involved by visiting Celebrity Cruises. Embark on a journey where dreams meet reality, and become part of the exciting future of luxury cruising with Celebrity Xcel! This innovative approach by Celebrity Cruises marks a new era in luxury cruising, allowing guests to shape their ultimate travel experience.
