Celebrity Cruises is introducing four new festivals on board Celebrity Xcel this summer, allowing guests to experience the sights, sounds and flavours of the Mediterranean on sea days.
Celebrity Xcel will sail its inaugural European season from May, on seven- to 11-night itineraries out of Barcelona and Athens, including overnight stays in Madeira.
The festivals will be held in the ship’s marketplace area, The Bazaar, featuring crafts, retail outlets, pop-up entertainment, local musicians and food inspired by the destinations visited.
Opa Festival will celebrate Greek food and culture; La Dolca Vita Festival will feature Italian-inspired events and food; Salud Festival will celebrate Spain, while the Silk and Spice Festival will take a sensory journey around the cultures of Morocco and Turkey. The Market at The Bazaar area will showcase goods by local artisans, such as olive oil, Italian scarves, or handmade painted tiles.
The Bazaar’s open kitchen, Mosaic, and its casual dining area, Spice, will serve authentic regional dishes. Guests can learn to cook local food in the ship’s cooking school, Chef’s Studio at Mosaic.
Celebrity President Laura Hodges Bethge said: “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.
“Sea days have been transformed with spatial design extending the authentic food, beverage and entertainment delivered into a cohesive singular experience.
“From morning to night, and from day to day, the one-of-a-kind experience has captivated guests, and we’re excited to transform the experience yet again to bring the heartbeat of the Mediterranean on board throughout every Europe sailing.”
