After dropping my bags in my stateroom, one of the first places I always visit when boarding a cruise ship is the spa. I like to peek into the fitness center too, in case I decide to actually wear the workout clothes I packed. Even if I don’t book a treatment, stepping into the spa and inhaling its calming aromas quickly switches me into vacation mode.
Walking into The Spa on Celebrity Cruises’ new Celebrity Xcel is like a breath of fresh air. The reception area is open and inviting, with a spiral staircase leading to the deck above and floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of light. It’s the cruise line’s largest spa to date. Adjacent to reception is a spacious salon with styling stations, a blow-dry bar and barbershop, plus manicure and pedicure stations arranged to offer uninterrupted ocean views. A bubbles bar adds a playful touch so guests can enjoy a glass while getting styled.
Wide, welcoming corridors lead from reception to a peaceful Relaxation Area furnished with lounges where guests can unwind before treatments, and to 30 treatment rooms. Almost every room features floor-to-ceiling windows, maximizing natural light and ocean vistas—elements that contribute to relaxation and well-being.
Celebrity Xcel’s Hydra Room © Celebrity Cruises
The SEA Thermal Suite on Celebrity Xcel introduces Celebrity’s first Hydra Room: a warm, intimate bubbling pool with massaging jets and heated lounge chairs designed to soothe tight muscles. The Hydra Room complements the suite’s other amenities, which include a steam room, Turkish bath, salt room and an ocean-view sauna.
Connected to the suite is the Vitamin D Deck, a sheltered sun area that lets guests soak up rays and enjoy horizon views without harsh ocean breezes. Access to the SEA Thermal Suite is complimentary for AquaClass guests or available through a purchased pass.
After touring the spa, I chose to experience one of the signature treatments—a bamboo massage—and my aching muscles greatly appreciated the deep kneading. I left feeling light and relaxed, padding back to my stateroom in a robe and slippers.
The Spa’s menu includes more than 120 treatments: massages, body treatments, facials, an IV Lounge offering customizable vitamin therapies, and Celebrity’s SignatureServices. Highlights include the 75- or 100-minute Thousand Flower Detox Wrap, which uses Nordic peat rich in botanical nutrients for a powerful detox and skin-nourishing benefits. Another standout is the Thai Herbal Poultice Massage, which blends heated herbal poultices with pressure point therapy, Eastern and Western massage techniques, and acupressure for a deeply restorative experience.
Celebrity Xcel’s Vitamin D Deck © Celebrity Cruises
The Spa’s wellness offerings extend into the adjacent Fitness Center, which hosts yoga, barre, breathwork and guided meditation classes alongside indoor cycling, stretching, bungee workouts and a variety of group sessions. I assumed I’d skipped cycling because I’d left my shoes at home, so I was pleasantly surprised to find dozens of pairs available for loan.
Celebrity introduced wellness-focused AquaClass staterooms in 2008, and on Xcel these staterooms include features such as cashmere mattresses and pillow menus, complimentary access to the SEA Thermal Suite, a spa concierge, complimentary fitness passes and special rates on spa packages.
Aqua Sky Suites build on those amenities with additional spa-inspired touches: eco-friendly bath products, in-stateroom yoga mats, fitness equipment and on-demand wellness programming. Guests in Aqua Sky Suites also benefit from dedicated butler service, full in-suite dining, an unlimited premium drinks package and the assistance of a Destination Experience Specialist to enhance shore excursions.
Dining aboard Xcel ranges from fine dining to casual grab-and-go options across 32 venues. The culinary team is attentive to dietary needs, offering gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free and “fit fare” dishes crafted with balanced nutrition in mind.