Celebrity Cruises will host its 2026 President’s Cruise on the brand-new Celebrity Xcel. The annual cruise will offer an 8-night Mediterranean vacation from September 13 to 21, 2026.
Celebrity Xcel will depart from Athens, Greece and call on the Greek Isles of Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini. Guests will explore Ephesus, Turkey and Malta before disembarking in Barcelona, Spain. The cruise allows for Celebrity Cruises’ loyalty guests to visit with the cruise line’s president Laura Hodges Bethge and executive team.
“Our annual President’s Cruise is my favorite sailing of the year as we dedicate a full itinerary to celebrating and spending time with our Captain’s Club members,” said Hodges Bethge. “The entire Celebrity team love hearing guests’ stories and experiences, and the feedback we receive while onboard is instrumental in shaping the future Celebrity Cruises’ guest experience.”
Celebrity Cruises’ President’s Cruise alway offers immersive shore excursions and exclusive onboard events specific to the sailing. During the recent 2025 President’s Cruise aboard Celebrity Apex, guests sailed from Southampton, England to Norwegian Fjords with ports of call in Bruges, Belgium and Norway.
The voyage began with the first-ever “President’s Cruise City Stay” in London. Guests toured the city, which included Kensington Palace. Guests then attended the first-ever “President’s Cruise Gala Dinner” at the Museum of Natural History, which included a performance by West End actor Cedric Neal.
Onboard Celebrity Apex, guests were welcomed with an English garden-themed Sail Away party, a live Beatles tribute band, and the UK rhythmic gymnastics team. During the week, guests were treated to a fireside chat with Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Boulud followed by an exclusive book signing. Guests were able to take part in a cooking competition as they teamed up with Celebrity Cruises’ chefs in an attempt to create the winning dish.
Guests were treated to non-stop entertainment from parties, a surprise performance from West End star Shoshana Bean, and a Chocolate Wonderland pop-up in the Grand Plaza. Guests learned about Norway from Naturalist Celia Garland and witnessed the Seven Sisters waterfall while sailing through the Fjords.
The 2026 President’s Cruise aboard Celebrity Xcel is sure to feature similar experiences and excursions and more. Currently, Celebrity Xcel is still under construction at the Chantiers de L’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, and is expected to debut from Fort Lauderdale, Florida on November 18, 2025.