Celebrity Xcel Expands Mediterranean Discoveries with The Bazaar Experience

Celebrity Xcel is advancing its efforts to immerse guests in destination culture through an innovative space called The Bazaar. This multifunctional area aims to extend the connection with local cultures well beyond the time spent ashore, particularly as the ship embarks on its European deployment. The Bazaar will feature four new festivals showcasing the diversity of Mediterranean traditions, cuisines, and performances.

Debuting in November, The Bazaar revolutionizes destination engagement by integrating cultural experiences into everyday activities aboard the ship. Its design-influenced programming seeks to maintain cultural interactions during sea days, enriching the experience from morning until night. This Mediterranean-themed programming will be a staple across the ship’s European sailings.

In The Bazaar, the boundaries between ship and shore are intentionally blurred. This includes rotating festivals that highlight artisan markets, participatory activities, regional dining, and live entertainment. The venue’s ambiance shifts through dynamic three-story LED displays used to reflect the traditions of various Mediterranean destinations, from Florence to Santorini, while guests remain onboard.

The four featured festivals represent distinct regional heritages. The Opa Festival embodies Greek culture through traditional foods, crafts, and music, transforming from lively daytime demonstrations to vibrant evening performances. La Dolce Vita Festival celebrates Italian culinary traditions, combining interactive tastings with enchanting Venetian-inspired evenings. Spain’s influences come alive during the Salud Festival, showcasing regional cuisine accompanied by engaging dance and music. The Silk & Spice Festival highlights Moroccan and Turkish customs, featuring tea services, sweets, crafts, and elaborate evening performances influenced by local artistry.

Culinary experiences are at the heart of The Bazaar. Mosaic, an open-kitchen venue, serves dishes inspired by Mediterranean ports such as Naples, Mykonos, and Lisbon, while the Spice venue offers a rotating selection of daytime cuisine reflecting the ship’s itinerary. Dining areas are designed with expansive windows, reinforcing the connection between delicious food and stunning sea views.

During sea days, guests can explore the Market at The Bazaar, where products from regional artisans are available for purchase, connecting them with local crafts. Additionally, the Chef’s Studio at Mosaic is Celebrity Cruises’ first cooking school focused on destination-inspired lessons, adapting recipes and classes throughout the cruising experience to align with festival themes.

Celebrity Xcel’s itineraries will further this commitment, visiting destinations such as Florence, Palma de Mallorca, Santorini, and Mykonos, with select overnight stays in beautiful locales like Madeira, allowing guests to experience extended exploration.

Starting May 2026, Celebrity Xcel will launch its inaugural European season featuring 7- to 11-night Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona and Athens, positioning The Bazaar as a central element of its culturally immersive design.

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