Celebrity Unveils Xcel Dining and River Cruise Plans
During her “Conversations with Celebrity” presentation on the final day of this year’s President’s Cruise sailing, Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge offered a preview of the innovations coming to the line, spotlighting the upcoming Celebrity Xcel and the brand’s expansion into river cruising. She began by detailing two of the seven brand-first venues aboard Xcel, the line’s next Edge Series ship, including Bora, a dual-purpose rooftop restaurant that transforms from a lively brunch destination with a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar to an elegant evening setting for Mediterranean-style seafood dishes. Guests will be able to start their day with fresh pastries and customizable cocktails al fresco and return for dinner beneath the stars, where chefs will highlight the season’s finest fish, shellfish and produce.
Bethge also described The Bazaar, a reimagined Eden space designed to deliver immersive, multisensory encounters that draw inspiration from destinations around the world. Unlike previous iterations of Eden, which combined performance art and lounge atmospheres, The Bazaar will shift to a dynamic marketplace concept, inviting guests to interact with chefs, sommeliers and cultural artisans as they sample authentic regional specialties and creative drinks. While these two concepts have already generated excitement, Bethge confirmed that details on four additional Xcel venues will be released in July, with the seventh remaining a surprise for those who sail aboard the ship when she debuts this summer.
Turning to Celebrity’s forthcoming river cruise venture, Bethge revealed that the brand’s first two river ships will debut in 2027, with an initial order for ten vessels—four more slated for delivery in both 2028 and 2029. “When we placed our initial order, we were also very clear and honest that this is not a hobby for us,” she said. “We are getting into the river business and we intend to be a major player in the business, so that ten is an initial order and there’ll be more to come after that.” While she kept specific itineraries under wraps, Bethge confirmed that Celebrity River Cruises will launch on Europe’s most popular waterways, beginning with the Rhine and Danube and eventually extending to all of the continent’s major rivers.
Highlighting her involvement in the design process, Bethge promised that travelers who have experienced other river cruises will find Celebrity’s product transformative and unmatched. Although some operational details are still being finalized, she said the line intends to offer an all-inclusive model that includes drinks, Wi-Fi and a curated shore excursion per port, with optional upgrades available for guests who wish to enhance their experience. “The intention is that it is all included—so, included drinks, Wi-Fi and then one shore excursion per port that you would get to select from,” she explained, adding that additional premium excursions and experiences will be offered as add-ons.
As the presentation concluded, it was clear that Celebrity is pursuing a two-pronged strategy: redefining onboard experiences at sea with innovative venues like Bora and The Bazaar, and establishing a bold presence in the river cruise market. With Celebrity Xcel poised to deliver next-generation dining and entertainment and a ten-ship river fleet on the horizon, the cruise line is positioning itself to captivate new and loyal guests alike through thoughtful design, immersive storytelling and a commitment to expanding its portfolio across both ocean and inland waterways.
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