It’s all happening at Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Xcel’s November debut, new river ships, a US$250 million upgrade for the Solstice fleet – and Celebrity Edge’s return to Australasia in October.
This November, when Celebrity Cruises’ first Edge-class ship, Celebrity Edge, is sailing in local waters, the fifth ship in the series, Celebrity Xcel, will be making her inaugural cruise in the Caribbean.
“Celebrity Xcel marks a bold new chapter for us,” says Tim Jones, Celebrity Cruises’ VP & MD, Australia & APAC.
“She’s our most innovative Edge series ship yet, and I am looking forward to being onboard her inaugural sailing and exploring all seven of her exciting new spaces and experiences.”
Celebrity’s Edge-class ships are the epitome of luxury at sea – spacious, lots of dining options, a spa, and beautifully designed top suites that come with a raft of perks and inclusions.
Renowned interior designer Kelly Hoppen is behind all of Celebrity’s designs. Her work on Celebrity Xcel is showcased in The Retreat suites, which include six enormous two-storey Edge Villas that have their own plunge pool on the terrace; two Iconic Suites, which at more than 240 square metres are the ship’s most spacious and luxurious accommodation; and six other superior suite categories.
All suites at The Retreat come with a dedicated butler and Retreat guests have access to an exclusive sundeck and pool, a private lounge and the private restaurant Luminae.
Firsts for Celebrity Xcel
The seven new features onboard Celebrity Xcel are the multi-level, multi-use Bazaar; Bora restaurant; the redesigned Celebrity Pool Club; Attic at The Club; the Hydra Room and Vitamin D Deck in The Spa; and the Celebrity Flagship Store.
Jones says that Bora is a “new Mediterranean restaurant offering our first-ever brunch concept and elevated dining experience”.
He says it’s designed to be that go-to spot you’ll want to linger in, whether for an energetic brunch or a romantic dinner under the stars.
“Wellness takes centre stage at The Spa, home to Celebrity’s most expansive offering yet,” says Jones.
“Some exciting firsts include the Hydra Room in the Thermal Suite – a warm, bubbling pool with massaging jets and heated lounge chairs for muscle relaxation – and the open-air Vitamin D Deck, where guests can soak up the sun and panoramic ocean views and enjoy refreshing non-alcoholic drinks.”
In yet more new developments, early next year Celebrity will embark on a US$250 million, five-year modernisation of its Solstice-class ships, starting with Celebrity Solstice.
Jones says, “Bold bow to stern enhancements will introduce multiple new concepts while refreshing almost every space on the ships. In March and April 2026, Celebrity Solstice will sail in Australian waters on her third itinerary post-drydock.”
Entering the river cruise market
Celebrity is one of several operators diving into the river cruise market for the first time.
It plans to have an initial fleet of 10 ships sailing on Europe’s waterways, with two ships scheduled to launch in 2027 on the Rhine and Danube.
Jones says, “Celebrity’s market research shows that more than half of our guests are either interested in or have already experienced a river cruise”.
“For travel advisors who have an existing Celebrity Cruises guest base who already love our brand, this presents a new and exciting product for your clients to try.
“For travel advisors with clients interested in river cruising, Celebrity River Cruises is a natural extension of Celebrity’s premium offering that will bring our hospitality-first approach to the river. Bookings will open later this year.”
Attracting a younger cruiser
Jones says there has been a clear shift in the age of cruisers in recent years.
“Younger travellers are embracing cruising in greater numbers than before. At Celebrity, we are proud to welcome guests of all ages, from multi-generational families to couples and solo travellers.
“With dedicated spaces for children and teens, alongside serene, adults-only areas and experiences, there truly is something for everyone.”
Jones adds that Celebrity attracts a “vibrant mix of guests, from loyal travellers who return year after year, to those experiencing their first cruise”.
“What draws first-time cruisers to Celebrity is our unique ability to blend the intimate and thoughtful service of smaller ships with the variety and excitement typical of larger ships.
“Our itineraries are a major draw as well. Both onboard and ashore, we offer a range of experiences that immerse guests in local culture, cuisine, and history.
“Onboard, first-time cruisers are often wowed by features like the Magic Carpet – it’s the first cantilevered platform at sea, offering unforgettable views and dynamic dining experiences that set us apart.”
Opportunities for advisors
Jones’s advice for travel advisors who are embarking on a career in travel is to focus on building strong relationships with suppliers and industry partners who can support their growth and help scale their business.
“Cruising is more popular than ever, and in this fast-changing environment, having solid connections is essential,” he says. “It allows you to stay ahead of travellers’ evolving desires and needs by having access to the latest insights and resources.
“At Celebrity, our on-the-road sales team – which is one of the largest in Australia and New Zealand – is dedicated to building strong relationships with our travel partners, not only to help them retain their cruise business, but also focus on strategies to help them grow.”
For more information, visit Celebrity Cruises
