Last updated:: 9:00 PM ET, Thu June 19, 2025
Celebrity Cruises is redefining couples' getaways with the launch of Celebrity Xcel, featuring an innovative "Date Night, All Day Long" concept that promises to transform romantic escapes at sea. The cruise line's newest ship introduces dining and entertainment options designed to create unforgettable shared experiences for couples.
New Culinary Destination: Bora Restaurant
The centrepiece of Celebrity Xcel's romantic offerings is Bora, the cruise line's first-ever brunch concept housed in a stunning al fresco rooftop restaurant. With panoramic ocean views and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, Bora seamlessly transitions from energetic daytime brunch to intimate evening dining.
During the day, guests can enjoy boozy brunch favourites, including shakshuka eggs with coriander and croissant eggs benedict with lemon-scented salmon gravlax. The restaurant features what Celebrity calls "the best Bloody Mary bar at sea" with customizable cocktails and over-the-top garnishes, complemented by roving musicians playing energetic hits.
Evening transforms Bora into an intimate dining destination with chef-led tableside preparations and shareable seafood dishes like seared branzino and fideos negros tostados with razor clams. Greek ballads and Italian love songs create the perfect romantic ambiance under the stars.
Expanded Entertainment Options
Celebrity Xcel boasts the cruise line's most expansive entertainment offering with over 75 resident performers. The ship features three new theatre shows developed by creative visionaries with backgrounds spanning theatre, film and television. Enhanced by state-of-the-art technology including kinetic lighting and LED screens, these performances promise immersive experiences for guests.
After-dinner entertainment includes piano bar singalongs, interactive club shows, and multiple dance parties ranging from destination-inspired festivals to romantic candlelit concerts. The popular Shine the Night party returns with enhanced features, encouraging couples to dance under the stars.
Celebrity Xcel begins sailing from Fort Lauderdale in November 2025, offering seven-night Caribbean itineraries before transitioning to Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona and Athens in summer 2026.
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