Celebrity Cruises Launches 2026 President’s Cruise on Xcel
Celebrity Cruise’s President’s Cruise tradition is set to continue with an eight-night voyage aboard the brand’s newest ship, Celebrity Xcel. In a special preview during the ongoing 2025 President’s Cruise on Celebrity Apex, President Laura Hodges Bethge revealed that the 2026 sailing will depart from Athens on September 13 and conclude in Barcelona on September 21, visiting six iconic Mediterranean ports.
Guests will embark in Athens and sail to the sun-drenched island of Santorini, where whitewashed cliffs and sapphire waters await. From there, the ship will call in Kusadasi, granting travelers access to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, before continuing to the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos. After a day of beaches and boutiques, the itinerary moves on to Rhodes, famed for its medieval Old Town, and then to Malta, with its blend of Baroque architecture and UNESCO-listed heritage sites.
This itinerary marks the first President’s Cruise on Celebrity Xcel, the fifth vessel in Celebrity’s Edge Class series. Scheduled to debut in November 2025, Xcel will accommodate 3,260 guests and introduce seven brand-new spaces and concepts, from immersive lounges to next-generation dining venues. The ship’s design advances the series’ reputation for modern luxury, offering enhanced ocean views, innovative stateroom layouts, and expanded wellness offerings that reflect Celebrity’s commitment to delivering premium experiences on every voyage.
A key milestone for Royal Caribbean Group, Celebrity Xcel will be the first ship in the fleet capable of running on methanol. This cleaner-burning fuel positions the brand one step closer to its net-zero emissions goal by 2050, underscoring Celebrity’s broader environmental strategy. Guests sailing on the President’s Cruise will not only enjoy elevated amenities but also take part in a pioneering chapter of sustainable cruising.
At a Captain’s Club loyalty event on Celebrity Apex, Laura Hodges Bethge invited members to join the September 2026 sailing and highlighted optional pre- and post-cruise stays in Athens and Barcelona. These extensions will allow travelers to explore Athens’s ancient landmarks or soak up Barcelona’s vibrant culture before or after the voyage. “Mark your calendars,” she said. “I hope you’ll join us on Xcel next year. Thank you for your loyalty and commitment to Celebrity Cruises. Our promise to you is to deliver the elevated premium vacations you expect.”
With bookings expected to open in the coming months, travel advisors and cruise enthusiasts alike are already anticipating the chance to sail on Celebrity Xcel’s inaugural President’s Cruise. As the brand continues to blend innovative ship design with curated cultural experiences, the 2026 itinerary promises to uphold Celebrity’s reputation for seamless service, culinary excellence, and unforgettable shore excursions.
From the volcanic splendor of Santorini to the historic streets of Rhodes and the fortified cities of Malta, the 2026 President’s Cruise will offer a tapestry of Mediterranean discoveries. Combined with the cutting-edge facilities and sustainable technologies of Celebrity Xcel, this voyage is poised to become a highlight of the cruising calendar for loyal guests and newcomers seeking a refined luxury adventure at sea.
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