This trip was hosted. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Celebrity Cruises recently announced the addition of The Bazaar, a new multi-function space on the new Celebrity Xcel, set to debut later this year. The Xcel will be Celebrity’s fifth Edge Class ship, joining the Edge, Apex, Beyond, and Ascent. The Xcel joins Celebrity’s top-tier class of ships, known for luxe touches like infinity verandas in the staterooms, the Magic Carpet, a cantilevered platform that floats between decks, and Eden, a multi-use dining and entertainment space that pairs multi-deck ocean views with walls adorned with lush, enticing greenery.
Although the Celebrity Xcel will have much in common with her sister ship, The Bazaar just might be a game-changer.
Introducing The Bazaar
The Bazaar will replace Eden with the goal of erasing the line between ship and shore and bringing the food, fun, and culture of the port cities on board in unique new ways.
Celebrity Cruises hosted me on a seven-night cruise to the British Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic on the Celebrity Apex and allowed me a sneak peek at some of the experiences and flavors coming to their newest ship.
The Bazaar will change based on the port location. For example, if the ship stops in St Kitts/Nevis, there will be a corresponding sea day where The Bazaar will feature immersive experiences from St Kitts/Nevis. If you loved your experience in St Kitts, you can extend it at The Bazaar. If you didn’t make it off the ship, you can still have a taste of the port city. It’s an all-around win.
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New Culinary Venues

I’ve sailed on both the Edge and the Apex and the Eden space is one of the most visually appealing spaces on the Edge Class ships. The vibe is almost tropical, in contrast to the ocean views you’ll see out of the wall of windows at the ship’s aft. It’s a fun place to just simply take in, but the food service in Eden is spectacular, offering upscale dining around an open kitchen and a separate cafe with healthy breakfast and lunch options.
The Xcel will have a combination of familiar Edge Class experiences, plus all-new fun. Celebrity has been pretty tight-lipped about what the new experiences will include, but I’ve got the scoop. Here’s what’s new on the Xcel.
Mosaic
Although the menu is under wraps for now, the dishes served will be inspired by the regions where the ship sails, connecting the port and the ship in a delicious new way. There will also be a multi-course tasting menu that recreate chef’s childhood favorites, along with wine pairings.
For a hands-on experience, Mosaic will offer the Chef’s Studio at Mosaic, Celebrity’s first-ever destination-inspired cooking school. Eating something delicious on vacation = fun. Having the tools to recreate the deliciousness at home = memories.
Spice
Spice will offer a daytime selection of rotating bites inspired by the ports visited on the itinerary.
What we know right now

Mosaic will replace the Eden restaurant and Spice will replace Eden Cafe, but stay tuned for more details as Celebrity continues to release new information about the Xcel. On other Edge Class ships, the Eden restaurant is an add-on dining experience not included in the price of the cruise, but the Eden Cafe is included in the basic cruise price. We all know what they say about assumptions, but I’m putting my money on the Mosaic dining experiences having an upcharge and Spice being an “included-in-the-cruise-price” amenity.
I’m excited to see what the menus will bring. I’ve eaten in a variety of Edge Class specialty restaurants and dining rooms, and the food at both Eden and Eden Cafe are at the top of my list, although you really can’t go wrong with dining options on board Celebrity.
New Experiences

Festivals – A party every day

The Bazaar will transform daily, allowing passengers to become immersed in the cultures of the ports the ship will visit. The space is fluid and will adjust based on the itinerary. While Eden is lovely, visiting the space on the ship is pretty much the same every time. The Bazaar will offer the excitement of discovering a new festival each day.
Each festival will bring the port city on board the ship in fun, interactive ways, such as:
- Local food and beverage offerings;
- Shopping;
- Crafts;
- Dance and cooking classes;
- Pop-up musical performances and other entertainment.
Cocktails almost too pretty to sip

Almost. A new space calls for new cocktails! Celebrity’s creative team of mixologists are working on a list of cocktails for The Bazaar that go well beyond the ordinary. From ingredients you wouldn’t expect to go together, such as white chocolate and pink peppercorn, to unique ways of shaping ice, the drinks in The Bazaar will wow you, especially if you drink with your eyes.
I got a preview of The Bazaar’s pretty new cocktails when I sailed on the Apex and can’t wait to see these in their new home on board the Xcel.
Why Erase the Line Between Ship and Shore?

I’ve been on over 20 cruises and for me, there has always been a distinct line between shipboard life and port activities. Celebrity’s initiative to remove that line produces a more immersive experience that gives cruisers more options.
I almost always get off the ship in port, although for anyone who wants a completely uncrowded cruise ship experience, with no lines at the buffet and pool chair availability galore, but I always have trouble picking something to do, usually because more than one experience will appeal to me. Bringing the port on board the ship gives passengers more options and helps them experience more of the destination.
Don’t want to leave the ship? You can still experience the vibes of the port in The Bazaar

This is particularly helpful for anyone who has mobility challenges. Difficulty walking or using a wheelchair or scooter isn’t always compatible with disembarking for a port adventure.
On my recent Apex sailing, I did a shore excursion in Puerto Plata to a venue called Chocolate Mountain. This is an eco-space on a private farm that grows cacao, where you can learn everything you never knew about how chocolate is grown and processed.
Chocolate Mountain is available as a shore excursion, but it’s an hour’s drive, each way, from the port. Spending two hours of a short port day in transit might cross this venue off many people’s lists of desirable things to do on land. The Bazaar will partner with local businesses like this one to bring the cool things in port on board the ship, where everyone can enjoy them as part of the leisure of a sea day.
What you need to know about booking a cruise with Celebrity Cruises

Are Celebrity Cruises upscale?
Celebrity is the luxury arm of Royal Caribbean Group. The experiences are elevated and best suited for adults, but the prices aren’t out of the ballpark for most travelers. While the energy on board isn’t stuffy or pretentious, there is absolutely a premium vibe.
Is a Celebrity cruise female traveler-friendly?
Although both of my cruises on Celebrity were with my husband, I wouldn’t hesitate to book a cruise on any of their ships as a solo traveler or as part of an all-female group. It’s a safe, inclusive environment with a variety of activities that allow travelers to meet people or hang out on their own.
The beds in the staterooms can be configured as double beds or twin beds, so it’s easy to share a stateroom with a girlfriend.
What to pack for your Celebrity cruise

For a celebrity cruise, you’ll want a mix of cruise casual and resort elegant. The dining rooms and specialty restaurants are more casual during the day but there’s a dress code at night. Don’t forget:
- Bathing suits + coverups;
- Flip flops for pool and spa;
- Sweater or light jacket for cooler evenings;
- Chic, metallic attire for Celebrity’s “Shine the Night” party;
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring port cities;
- Travel-sized toiletries, although Celebrity’s bathrooms have very generous storage space;
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