Another Florida-bound cruise ship had its first sea trial over the weekend as Celebrity Xcel hit the ocean off the coast of France.
The fifth of Celebrity Cruises’ Edge-class ships went through functional maneuvers near the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France on Saturday helmed by Capt. ‘Kirk’ Kyriakos Matragkas.
Its inaugural sailings this November will bring it to Port Everglades on seven-night Caribbean itineraries before heading back to Europe next summer to sail the Mediterranean.
Just like its sister ships, Celebrity Edge, Apex, Beyond and Ascent, the vessel has the same design including the Magic Carpet — an exterior elevator platform that acts primarily as an innovative way for passengers to disembark and reboard the ship when it tenders at ports of call, but also doubles as an entertainment and dining venue.
The cabins will once again feature the popular Infinite Verandah staterooms in which the balcony is part of the cabin.
The Celebrity Xcel performed its first sea trials on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 off the coast of Saint-Nazaire, France. (Courtesy/Celebrity Cruises)
One unique thing about this new ship will be its capability to use methanol as a fuel source, the first for any ship in the Royal Caribbean Group family of cruise lines and an effort to reduce its carbon footprint.
Unlike its sister ships, though, Xcel is dropping the avant-garde Eden section of the ship in favor of an expanded venue called The Bazaar.
The Bazaar looks to offer up authentic food and entertainment based on the destinations where the ship is visiting. Cruisers could expect a venue that can shift from Bahamian to Caribbean to Mexican inspirations for its debut sailing season, with each voyage looking to change up four times during weeklong sailings.
It will be one of three new ships to debut out of Port Everglades this fall, joining Princess Cruises’ new ship Star Princess and Disney Cruise Line’s new ship Disney Destiny.
