You can also find out more about Celebrity Cruises Launch of the 3,248-passenger vehicle Celebrity Xcel This November, loyal brand fans will notice a new concept: The Bazaar. It’s a sea-day idea that will take up a massive space on three decks, with food, entertainment and retail inspired from the previous port. This is where guests can buy sombreros after visiting the port. Cozumel After leaving Puerto Plata, they can enjoy rum tastings. Dominican RepublicIt is followed by bachata performers at night. Jeannette Dou, Celebrity Vice President of Product Development says: “It extends the time guests spend in each port.”
Silversea is a pioneer in bringing the culture and cuisine of ports to its ships with their popular SALT program Other cruise lines are now focusing on their own methods. Celebrity will bring The Bazaar to the UK in the next year. It is the largest effort of its kind. Celebrity Xcels The Edge fleet includes four sister ships sailing through the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and the Caribbean. Boutique line Azamara Cruises The Stories Under the Stars Program, which features local experts sharing myths and legends, was launched in September. In November, cultural specialist Thato Mahalangu will share tales about the Grootslang snake, which is said to guard the Richtersveld region of South Africa. Azamara Pursuit The South African coast is a sailing paradise. Similarly, in Quebec, Ponant Tim Adams, a Gaspe Mi’kmaq Storyteller, has joined the team Le Commandant Charcot The ship will host the first of many traditional performances during its new icebreaker cruises up St. Lawrence River. Native Polynesian crafts classes, including the creation of Tahitian tassels and hairpins, will be offered to the 245 passengers on board the ship when it sails around the Society Islands.
As for SilverseaThe year-old ship has been added to the SALT program. Silver Ray, The ship has a dedicated Chef’s Table, located in a bright and spacious room with large glass windows looking out to the sea. It also retrofitted a sister ship. Silver Nova Create a space similar to this. Here, experts like João Sá, the chef of the Michelin-starred Lisbon restaurant Sála de João Sá, will serve dishes to passengers using rare and specialized ingredients from nearby ports—just one more example of the ways cultural immersion can last long after the ship has sailed on.
Seven-night cruises onboard Celebrity Xcel From $883. This article was published in the September/October issue 2025 of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the Magazine here.
