Celebrity Xcel Expands Mediterranean Exploration with The Bazaar Experience

Celebrity Xcel has launched an innovative onboard experience known as The Bazaar, designed to enhance cultural immersion throughout its European voyages. This unique multi-use complex will offer guests a blend of local traditions, cuisine, and performances, reflecting the Mediterranean regions it visits.

Since its introduction in November, The Bazaar has transformed destination programming at sea, aiming to maintain cultural engagement even on sea days. With a design that integrates food, drinks, and entertainment, The Bazaar creates a cohesive experience that evolves from morning to night. The Mediterranean programming enhances this concept, bringing a local flair to every European sailing.

The Bazaar merges the ship and shore experience with rotating festivals, artisan markets, interactive activities, regionally inspired dining, and live performances. Guests can explore Mediterranean cultures, from Florence to Santorini, all while onboard, supported by three-story LED installations that adapt the venue’s atmosphere throughout the cruise.

Four main festivals anchor the immersive experience, celebrating different regional traditions. The Opa Festival showcases Greek culture with food, crafts, and live music, transitioning from daytime workshops to evening performances. The La Dolce Vita Festival centers on Italian food and craftsmanship, featuring hands-on tastings by day and Venetian-themed evenings. The Salud Festival highlights Spanish influences with regional cuisine, creative activities, and dance. Finally, the Silk & Spice Festival is inspired by Moroccan and Turkish traditions, offering tea service, sweets, crafts, and evening performances.

Culinary experiences play a significant role at The Bazaar, with an open-kitchen venue, Mosaic, providing dishes inspired by Mediterranean ports such as Naples and Lisbon. Casual dining options also feature rotating selections reflecting the destinations on the itinerary. The dining area boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, connecting the culinary offerings with the sea.

On sea days, guests can visit The Bazaar’s Market for artisanal goods from regional artisans, as well as participate in culinary classes at The Chef’s Studio, which focuses on destination-inspired cooking that aligns with the festivals.

Celebrity Xcel’s itineraries extend this cultural exploration by visiting destinations like Florence, Palma de Mallorca, Santorini, and Mykonos, including select overnight stays in places like Madeira, allowing for extended port experiences.

Starting in May 2026, Celebrity Xcel will operate its first European season with Mediterranean itineraries lasting from 7 to 11 nights, departing from Barcelona and Athens, further highlighting The Bazaar as a cornerstone of its destination-centric design.

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