Home » TRAVEL EVENT NEWS » How Celebrity Xcel is Transforming Mediterranean Cruises for Tourists from Spain, Italy, Greece, and Morocco in 2026 Published on
January 17, 2026Celebrity Cruises has announced an exciting new addition to its offerings for the 2026 European season. The Celebrity Xcel will feature four unique rotating Mediterranean festivals, aimed at immersing passengers in the vibrant cultures of different European and Mediterranean destinations. The ship will sail from key ports in Barcelona and Piraeus, offering passengers the opportunity to explore new themes and engage with local cultures through food, art, and entertainment.The four festivals—Opa (Greece), La Dolce Vita (Italy), Salud (Spain), and Silk & Spice (Morocco and Turkey)—are designed to bring the essence of each region directly to the ship. These festivals will rotate throughout the summer, enriching the cruise experience with hands-on activities, authentic local food and drinks, artisan markets, and pop-up performances. Passengers will be fully immersed in the customs and traditions of each destination, even when the ship is out at sea.Immersive Cultural Experiences at SeaEach of the festivals on Celebrity Xcel is carefully crafted to provide an immersive cultural experience, making the most of the ship’s unique destination-themed venue, known as The Bazaar. This venue will serve as a hub for the rotating festivals, offering a mix of interactive crafts, entertainment, food, and local traditions.Opa (Greece) celebrates the joyous spirit of Greek culture. Passengers will be invited to create traditional evil eye jewelry, sample iconic dishes such as baklava and moussaka, and experience the exuberant energy of Greek live music and dancing. As the party atmosphere takes hold, napkins will twirl and guests will find themselves swept into the festivities.La Dolce Vita (Italy) offers a taste of the Italian way of life. This festival allows cruisers to try their hand at making classic Italian dishes, such as pasta and tiramisu, while savoring limoncello. As night falls, the venue transforms …
