How’d you like to design your dream cruise ship? Take this simple quiz:
Would you rather your surroundings include colorful natural greens and blues or vibrant tropical reds and yellows?
Next, would you like to see a playful sculpture by the pool–or one that’s abstract and thought-provoking?
And, on board would you rather learn how to roll cigars or how to show off your moves with the latest Latin dance?
The questions are just a taste of Celebrity Cruises’ Dream Makers program, that urges cruise fans to help shape the look and experiences aboard the new Celebrity Xcel that sets sail in November. Participating could win you an inaugural cruise.
Xcel will have a new look compared to her Edge Class sister ships so there are plenty of decisions to make. Dream Makers will influence everything from festival entertainment and market activities to menu selections and design elements throughout the ship.
Four just-announced new attractions will be upcoming topics for Dream Makers:
Celebrity Pool Club is a contemporary rooftop offering valet service. On the last sea day of Caribbean itineraries, the club will become the Poolest Day Ever, with live music, pop-up shows and exclusive poolside drinks.
Attic at The Club is an adults-oriented lounge that will feature nostalgic retro games like Pac-Man, NBA Showtime and activities including pool, darts, foosball and shuffleboard.
Hydra Room is a new addition to Celebrity’s most expansive spa yet. The newest of eight therapeutic experiences in the Thermal Suite, invites guests to indulge in a warm, bubbling pool with massaging jets and heated lounge chairs that offer soothing benefits for muscle relaxation. There’s also a new outdoor Vitamin D Deck, exclusive to Thermal Suite guests.
Celebrity Flagship will be a store featuring customizable products exclusive to Celebrity, that doubles as an interactive exhibit celebrating the history of Celebrity Cruises.
“We want to ensure our guests love our products and experiences, so involving them in the process to perfect Celebrity Xcel was a great way to achieve this,” Celebrity’s Chief Marketing and Product Officer Michael Scheiner explains. “When Xcel launches, guests won’t have just found their happy place, they’ll have helped us build it.” Celebrity Xcel begins sailing from Fort Lauderdale Nov. 18 for a season of week-long Caribbean cruises. After a trans-Atlantic in April, Xcel starts a spring and summer season in the Mediterranean.
A unique element in Xcel’s design is The Bazaar a three-level, multi-sensory space (in a zone that on other Edge Class ships is called Eden). It will physically transform several times over the course of each sailing to introduce travelers to experiences inspired by the destinations they visit. No two days will be the same, with non-stop activities, regionally inspired culinary experiences, entertainment and unique festivals that bring to life the sights, sounds, flavors and traditions of the places visited, Celebrity says.
The Bazaar Market will feature rotating local artisanal vendors, to two new dining venues – Spice and Mosaic – both serving up destination-inspired menus. A transforming main festival area will see Caribbean cultures come alive through immersive experiences.
Bora, a rooftop restaurant will transport guests to the Mediterranean coast, with a seafood-forward menu in an alfresco setting. By day it will offer Celebrity’s first-ever brunch dining concept with an over-the-top customizable Bloody Mary bar. By night, it will offer chef-led tableside dining preparations and dishes designed to share.
When Celebrity Xcel sails her inaugural Caribbean route, The Bazaar will feature four distinct Caribbean-inspired festivals—Aqua, Viva, Carnival, and Flora. Each festival immerses guests in regional cultures through local food and beverage offerings, crafting experiences, destination-inspired cooking and dance classes, pop-up entertainment, and performances from local musicians.
These are all being shaped by the Dream Makers.
Let’s look at how you’re doing as a Dream Maker. Bet you got these:
So far, it’s a near toss-up between the 54 per cent who chose cool natural colors versus 46 per who want warm reds and yellows.
By the pool, 86 per cent want a fun, tropical companion rather than an abstract sculpture. (For example, on Celebrity Beyond the signature sculpture is a white elephant standing on its head).
And, as you might have expected, more than three-quarters of cruisers pick twerking over rolling stogies.
Ready to help design your dream ship? Each week’s Dream participation wins you five entries in a drawing for prize, that include a free inaugural cruise on Celebrity Xcel in November and also water bottles featuring the Celebrity Cruises logo. If you share on Facebook and a friend enters via your post, you get a bonus 20 entries. Join the fun here.
Story by Wallace Immen, The Cruisington Times
