Who is Looking Forward to the Celebrity Xcel?

[Emrys]

Celebrity Xcel will be the next Edge-class cruise ship to join the fleet. We have a while yet, as the ship won't arrive until 2025, but just wondering who is looking forward to the next new vessel from the cruise line? Also, any thoughts about the Edge-class in general?

[FJB]

Not a fan of the infinite verandas, but otherwise the Edge-class ships are great.   We have only been on one - Edge in 2020 - but are looking at Beyond for later this year.  

[Seaawgs]

Edge class is a stinker. 35 days on the Beyond and 7 on the Ascent.  Imagine being on the Equinox and cramming the ; Martini bar and lounge, craft social bar and lounge, Ensamble bar and lounge, Passport bar and lounge and the Il Bacio all into one space with limited seating. That is what you'll face each evening on an Edge class ship. Infinite balconies are really just ocean view cabins with a window that rolls down. 3300 people won't feel like a Celebrity cruise. 

[Cruising Caribbean]

@FJB I certainly trust your judgment when it comes to Celebrity ships. I know you have enjoyed quite a few of them. The ship is surely lovely. I can only imagine it's going to be a guest favorite.

@Seaawgs In comparison to the massive 5,000-plus mage ship guest capacities hitting the seas lately, this 3,248-guest ship doesn't shock me. I'm actually surprised the line isn't going bigger to keep up with industry trends. As someone who hasn't cruised on an Edge class ship, it's hard for me to compare, but I think the line is doing an excellent job at keeping up with the mega-ship trends while still maintaining its signature elegance that so many love and enjoy. It has to be difficult to do both! 

[Seaawgs]

@Cruising Caribbean I do sympathize with their attempt to lure new cruisers while trying to hang on to their loyal customers. The new mega cruise ships are actually competing with Disney World and other theme parks more than Celebrity or Holland. Most new ships, Edge Class included, are changing the ratio of "free" space to "pay" space. Exclusive space for Suite Class customers has expanded drastically. When you analyze bookings,  Soltice Class leads the way. We enjoyed our 42 days on Edge class ships last year but all future bookings are on Millennium and Soltice Class ships.

[FJB]

1 hour ago, Seaawgs said:

@Cruising Caribbean I do sympathize with their attempt to lure new cruisers while trying to hang on to their loyal customers. The new mega cruise ships are actually competing with Disney World and other theme parks more than Celebrity or Holland. Most new ships, Edge Class included, are changing the ratio of "free" space to "pay" space. Exclusive space for Suite Class customers has expanded drastically. When you analyze bookings,  Soltice Class leads the way. We enjoyed our 42 days on Edge class ships last year but all future bookings are on Millennium and Soltice Class ships.

I am not a fan of what celebrity is doing with the suite class, especially the retreat area on the top deck - taking away the views from the front of the ship from those of us who are not sweet guests.  I always enjoyed watching us enter or leave ports from the front of the ship on the top outside deck.  Sadly no more.  
 

Like you, we enjoy the millennium and solstice class ships better than edge class.  We were on Millennium last February for the 3rd time.  We will be on the Silhouette this February.   Reflection is probably my favorite.  

[3Sisters]

@Seaawgs I love the idea of more play space onboard. Celebrity Xcel will be built with all of the popular bells and whistles, but that's not what everyone is looking for in a cruise experience. I love that the Edge class ships are equipped with many suite class experience options. The number of exclusive spaces onboard entices guests to book this option. It's a bit costly but sounds well worth it. Do you typical cruise suite class? 

@FJB I see your perspective. This whole configuration is certainly a money-maker for the line. That's likely why the Edge class ships offer more intimate spaces for suite class guests. The line is pushing this initiative to make more money off of highter paying guests. I have yet to afford this experience, but it's evident that's what Celerity Cruises is capitalizing on. 

[Emrys]

On 1/9/2024 at 1:03 AM, FJB said:

I am not a fan of what celebrity is doing with the suite class, especially the retreat area on the top deck - taking away the views from the front of the ship from those of us who are not sweet guests.  I always enjoyed watching us enter or leave ports from the front of the ship on the top outside deck.  Sadly no more.  
 

Like you, we enjoy the millennium and solstice class ships better than edge class.  We were on Millennium last February for the 3rd time.  We will be on the Silhouette this February.   Reflection is probably my favorite.  

Seems to be more and more spaces becoming exclusive spaces, such as The Retreat and MSC's Yacht Club. I do enjoy those views from the front of the ship!

[Kendall James-Vargas]

There has to be a balance. As someone who typically cruises in more moderately priced staterooms, the idea of suite class guests getting the best views is frustrating. On the other hand, those who are willing and able to pay for a suite class experience do deserve better perks because they are, in fact, paying for the best experience. The exclusive spaces onboard are needed and appreciated, but there should be nice views for the interior-balcony cabin guests too! @FJB The fact that many of Celebrity Cruises' ships are implementing more exclusive spaces can be seen as daunting. It makes me wonder, is Celebrity Cruises trying to become a more exclusive cruise line? Does the cruise line have an influx in demand for the suite class experience onboard Edge class ships? I'm sure there are reasons why Celebrity Cruises has made the decision to add more exclusivity for these ships.

[Seaawgs]

@Kendall James-Vargasolder veteran cruisers spend very little money once on board. Years of cruising has taught them how to maximize without spending. They no longer go on excursions which are a nice cash cow for the industry and the ports they visit. Suite class cruising and its exclusive spaces offers a new experience for those who spent years on the "cheap" along with those of means who want to get away from the crowd. Younger cruisers are also an attractive customer who have little expectation along with a willingness to blow every cent they have and max out credit cards. I expect current trends to continue.

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@Seaawgs It seems we have fallen into the veteran cruiser category! I also feel like I know what I want and need out of my cruise experience. Since I know I need a glass of wine at dinner and a cappuccino in the morning, I make sure that happens. Everything else is secondary to me. I don't need shopping or specialty dining. I also don't need the casino or bingo sheets to have a good time. I stick to my essentials, and my cruise experience is exceptional. The suite class life will probably be mine eventually, let's say in 20 years when it's just me and my husband. For now, the idea of middle-class, basic cruising is perfect. My kids splash in the water park everyday and my husband abuses his drink package, napping on the pool lounger. It's a good time for everyone. 

[Seaawgs]

@Kendall James-Vargas sounds like your husband has it figured out!

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@Seaawgs I think he does. The best part about cruising for me is that he doesn't have access to wifi or cell service. He's never able to relax and unplug like that without not having any service to the outside world. I intentionally don't purchase the wifi or get a package that has wifi included because he will be eager to look at work/life stuff. Seeing him be able to fully relax and enjoy life without worries is such a treat. My family sees a new side of him! As much as he says he could take it or leave it, he needs a cruise every so often to remember the good things in life and really unwind. 

[FJB]

On 1/6/2024 at 7:05 PM, FJB said:

Not a fan of the infinite verandas, but otherwise the Edge-class ships are great.   We have only been on one - Edge in 2020 - but are looking at Beyond for later this year.  

Booked on the Beyond for September in an infinite verandah.  8 of us booked for this 6 night party! 

[Cruising Caribbean]

@FJB That's awesome! September isn't that far out either. A infinite verandah sounds so lovely. Will you be cruising to any new destinations? I love the amount of complimentary dining options onboard. Those staterooms have some incredible views! 

[FJB]

7 hours ago, Cruising Caribbean said:

@FJB That's awesome! September isn't that far out either. A infinite verandah sounds so lovely. Will you be cruising to any new destinations? I love the amount of complimentary dining options onboard. Those staterooms have some incredible views! 

Bimini will be a new port for us.  

[Cruising Caribbean]

@FJB There are plenty of fun things to do in Bimini! I'm glad you are traveling to a new destination on this cruise. There are a couple of reefs I have been wanting to try, but I haven't been to Bimini since I was a child. All of the cruise itineraries lately have been to the Bahamas but dodged Bimini for some reason. Rainbow reef and Victory reef would be the two I'm most interested in there.