Have you ever lounged on the deck of a cruise ship, sipping a cocktail, and thought, ‘I could design a better lounge than this’? Or perhaps while dining in the grandiose main hall, you’ve pondered over how you would enhance the culinary experience? Well, your musings can now become a reality with Celebrity Cruises’ groundbreaking initiative.
Celebrity Cruises is taking customer satisfaction to the next level by inviting travellers to play a pivotal role in the design of their brand-new billion-dollar cruise ship. This is not just a chance to voice your opinion; it’s an opportunity to leave your mark on the high seas.
Introducing the Xcel ‘Dream Makers’ program – a revolutionary approach in the cruise industry that empowers you, the cruiser, to make key decisions across various aspects of the ship’s design and offerings. From the culinary arts to entertainment, and the intricacies of interior design, your insights will help shape the future of cruising.
Michael Scheiner, the chief marketing and product officer of Celebrity Cruises, emphasises the importance of guest involvement, stating, ‘We want to ensure our guests love our products and experiences, so involving them in the process to perfect Celebrity Xcel was a great way to achieve this.’
The Xcel ‘Dream Makers’ program is open to anyone with a passion for travel and design. By joining this global community, you’ll have the chance to test, try, and vote on new experiences through online polls and unique experiential in-person events. Imagine having the final say on the ship’s textiles, managing interior design elements, and curating service offerings that will delight future passengers.
Your culinary expertise won’t go to waste either. Members of the Dream Makers will be involved in selecting their favourite dishes and beverages, choosing table settings, and shaping dining concepts that will tantalise the taste buds of travellers from around the world.
But the influence doesn’t stop there. You’ll also have a hand in the entertainment onboard, providing input on headline shows, curating props and costumes, selecting playlists, and even participating in the selection of pivotal entertainment positions.
Celebrity Cruises is renowned for its innovative ship design and unparalleled experiences at sea. With the launch of Xcel, guests won’t just find their happy place – they’ll have played an integral role in creating it.
The Celebrity Xcel is set to launch in November 2025 as the fifth ship in the cruise line’s award-winning Edge Series. Its inaugural season will commence from Fort Lauderdale, featuring seven-night itineraries that alternate between the Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.
After making waves in the Caribbean, Celebrity Xcel will embark on her inaugural European season in 2026. Departing from Barcelona and Athens, the ship will offer seven to 11-night journeys, including brand-new overnight stays in the enchanting Madeira, Portugal.
For those eager to join the ranks of the Xcel Dream Makers and contribute to the future of luxury cruising, more information is available at celebritycruises.com/xceldreammakers. This is your chance to be a part of history and help design a billion-dollar luxury cruise ship that will set sail with your signature style.
As we explore the exciting possibilities of designing a luxury cruise ship, we’d love to hear your thoughts. What features or experiences would you include in your ideal cruise ship? Share your ideas in the comments below, and who knows, your vision might just become a floating reality!
Also read: How to prevent unwanted roaming charges during your cruise