Celebrity Cruises unveils 4 new cultural festivals aboard Xcel

Celebrity Cruises will introduce four new cultural festivals aboard Celebrity Xcel this summer, transporting guests to the heart of the Mediterranean through immersive experiences staged in the vessel’s three-story entertainment venue, The Bazaar.

Replacing the current Caribbean and Mexico-themed festivities, the new lineup will debut during Celebrity Xcel’s summer 2026 European sailings.

Each festival will celebrate the distinct sights, sounds, flavours and traditions of its destination: the Opa Festival inspired by Greece, La Dolce Vita Festival by Italy, Salud Festival by Spain, and Silk & Spice Festival, a journey through Turkey and Morocco.

By day, The Bazaar will celebrate the cultural spirit of each region with lively food stalls, artisan markets and hands-on experiences, from pasta-making workshops to flamenco lessons. As night descends, the atmosphere transforms with live music, dance and performances that bring each destination’s nightlife to life at sea, featuring everything from Opa bands to whirling dervishes.

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“Since the concept launched on Celebrity Xcel in November, The Bazaar has revolutionised destination immersion, keeping guests enveloped in the culture of destinations well beyond their time in port," said Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises.

"Sea days have been transformed with spatial design extending the authentic food, beverage and entertainment delivered into a cohesive singular experience,” she added.