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Discover how to spend a day aboard Celebrity Xcel
Published on 13 Nov 2026
Wondering how to spend a day aboard Celebrity Xcel? Whether your ideal day at sea involves soaking up the sunshine as a couple, spending quality time with family, discovering new flavours, or simply switching off and enjoying some time to yourself, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your time on board. To give you a little inspiration, we’ve planned a day on Celebrity Xcel for every type of traveller, featuring some of the best places to eat, drink, relax, and have fun along the way.
Start your day together at Bora, Celebrity Xcel’s new al fresco restaurant described by Celebrity Cruises as ‘date night done right, at any time of day’. Brunch comes with ever-changing sea views, live music, a special Bloody Mary bar, and Mediterranean-inspired twists on familiar favourites, making it a fantastic place to start your day. In the evening, this vibrant venue transforms into a spectacular spot for dining under the stars, complete with Mediterranean dishes, special spitzes, regional wines and sunset views.
Spend a few hours soaking up the sunshine together at the Celebrity Pool Club. With plenty of opportunities to cool off in the water, relax in the shade or settle into a cabana, it’s an easy place to spend an afternoon at sea. Dedicated poolside service means you won’t have to venture far when you’re ready for a refreshment.
Unleash your competitive side with a visit to Attic at The Club. With its neon-lit surroundings, this playful space is home to pool tables, darts and retro arcade classics, giving you plenty of opportunities to challenge each other to a game or two.
Round off your day together at the Martini Bar, often one of the liveliest spots in the Grand Plaza. Find a seat around the bar and watch Celebrity Cruises’ talented bartenders shake, stir and pour their way through a menu of classic and contemporary martinis. Choose your favourite, enjoy the music and cheers to another fantastic day at sea.
Younger cruisers can enjoy adventures of their own at Camp at Sea, Celebrity Cruises’ dedicated programme for guests aged 3 to 17. Here, kids and teens are invited to get involved in plenty of fun activities, which have been carefully designed to suit all interests in age-specific spaces. It’s a great opportunity for younger guests to have fun and meet other cruisers their own age. While they’re enjoying themselves, parents can make the most of a little time to explore the ship at their own pace.
Bring everyone back together for an afternoon around the Main Pool. Cool off with a swim, find somewhere to settle together in the sunshine, or simply enjoy some time together with the ocean stretching around you. With plenty happening elsewhere on board, a few leisurely hours around the pool can be just what the family needs before getting ready for the evening ahead.
When evening arrives, head to The Theater and enjoy a show together. With music, impressive staging and plenty of spectacle, it’s a memorable way to finish your family day on board.
For foodies, The Bazaar is somewhere you’ll want to spend plenty of time. Designed to bring the destinations on your itinerary on board, this three-storey space celebrates their food, culture and traditions through ever-changing experiences. Try destination-inspired dishes at Mosaic Restaurant, sample authentic bites at Spice or get hands-on at Chef’s Studio, where cooking classes reveal the secrets behind dishes from the places you visit.
Continue your culinary journey aboard Celebrity Xcel at Cyprus Restaurant, one of Celebrity Xcel’s complimentary main dining restaurants. Inspired by the Mediterranean, the menu celebrates the region with seafood and fresh, uncomplicated dishes. Find something that takes your fancy, settle in and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean wherever your sailing happens to take you.
When you’re spoilt for choice, head to Oceanview Café. This relaxed, marketplace-inspired venue brings together flavours from around the world, making it a great option when you want to try a little bit of everything. You might find yourself sampling dishes you’ve never tried before, savouring comforting foods, or enjoying a new combination of foods that go together better than you could have ever imagined. It’s also a great place to visit if you’re travelling as a family or with friends who are all in the mood for something different.
For a taste of Paris at sea, make your way to Le Grand Bistro. Inspired by the classic French bistro, this inviting dining venue is a popular place to stop by for a morning coffee and fresh pastry or return later and settle into its romantic bistro setting.
Got a sweet tooth? Make some time for a visit to Chocolatier. Browse the tempting selection of sweet treats and choose something to enjoy as you continue exploring the ship. You might choose to purchase a delicious treat for yourself or pick out something to share with a loved one.
If your ideal day involves switching off completely, make The Spa your first stop. It boasts the reputation of being Celebrity Cruises’ biggest spa at sea, with more than 120 treatments, therapies and experiences to choose from. Book yourself in for a little pampering, discover the new Hydra Room, or simply dedicate some time to slowing down and recharging.
Head to the Sunset Bar and find somewhere comfortable to settle in with a drink. As its name suggests, this is a particularly lovely spot when the sun begins to disappear over the horizon. Order a signature cocktail, take in the views and simply watch the world go by as another day at sea draws to a close.
The new Vitamin D Deck is the Spa’s outdoor space, designed for sitting back and making the most of some uninterrupted you time. Here, you can stretch out on a comfortable lounger and take in the sweeping views. You needn’t worry about feeling too hot either, as you’ll be able to adjust the shade depending on how much sunshine you fancy.