Celebrity Xcel in all her splendor docks at Port St. Maarten Thursday

GREAT BAY--Celebrity Xcel is the newest ship in Celebrity’s Edge Series and is designed specifically for premium, experience-focused guests. The ship will dock in St. Maarten on Thursday in the latest vessel inaugural call to the destination.

This steady stream of inaugural calls is clear evidence of St. Maarten’s enduring appeal as a marquee Caribbean destination. Few places can match the island’s combination of Dutch and French cultural influences, iconic beaches such as Maho, and world-class duty-free shopping, all within a compact and welcoming setting.

Celebrity Xcel features an expanded mix of suites and balcony staterooms, anchored by The Retreat, an exclusive “resort within a resort” with its own pool, sun deck, restaurant, and lounge. A major new focal point on board is The Bazaar, a multi-level space that blends global street food, live performances, destination themed parades, and immersive visuals, alongside a hidden “IYKYK” speakeasy bar, a new rooftop restaurant concept, and dedicated retail areas.

The ship offers a large and varied food and beverage program, with more than thirty venues, including four main restaurants, multiple specialty dining options, and casual outlets such as buffets, grills, and cafes. Menus lean heavily into destination inspired and globally influenced cuisine, matching the tastes of higher spending guests who seek curated dining and bar experiences rather than standard mass market fare. Many new concepts are framed around longer, more immersive evenings on board, encouraging guests to dine, drink, and shop in ways that complement their time ashore.

On the activity and entertainment side, Celebrity Xcel features a high tech main theatre with large scale LED visuals and original productions, returning Edge class signatures like the Magic Carpet platform and Sunset Bar, and a full spa and fitness complex with upgraded thermal and wellness spaces. Throughout the ship, programming emphasizes live music, pop up shows, poolside happenings, and wellness experiences selected with direct input from past guests. Together, these elements create a shipboard environment that is strongly aligned with premium, high yield cruise passengers, which is exactly the market St. Maarten is targeting.

The arrival of Celebrity Xcel, a new vessel known for attracting premium, experience-driven travelers, underscores St. Maarten’s growing strength in the high-value cruise market. These guests typically spend more on curated shore excursions, fine dining, and luxury retail, generating greater economic benefits for local businesses and entrepreneurs across the island.

It is also a strong signal that cruise itinerary planners recognize the deliberate investments made by Port St. Maarten Group and its partners. Modern infrastructure, efficient operations, and close collaboration with the local service sector have positioned the destination as a reliable, high-performance port of call. This shared effort enables St. Maarten to meet the demands of tight cruise schedules while consistently delivering exceptional guest experiences that encourage visitors to return, stay longer, and spend more in the local economy.

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