Celebrity Cruises Introduces The Bazaar: A Dynamic Cultural Hub at Sea
Celebrity Cruises is revolutionizing the cruise experience with The Bazaar, a unique three-story space debuting on their new ship, the Celebrity Xcel. This innovative concept transforms daily, offering guests an immersive mix of local flavor and entertainment that captures the essence of each port visited.
"We're blurring the lines between ship and shore," says Laura Hodges Bethge, the president of Celebrity Cruises. "Celebrity Xcel intentionally extends the destination experience onboard through a continued authentic offering between ports of call, allowing guests to take the destination with them."
The Bazaar provides a multifaceted cultural experience, including:
- Exploration of artisan markets
- Hands-on craft creation
- Locally inspired culinary delights
- Immersive entertainment
Culinary Highlights:
Mosaic – A global flavors restaurant featuring a Chef’s Table experience, showcasing culinary specialties from the chefs’ hometowns.
Spice – A casual dining spot serving rotating dishes inspired by recent ports, complemented by stunning views from floor-to-ceiling windows.
Cultural Immersion:
Onboard festivals add excitement, each tied to a specific port of call. Guests can experience the energy of a Caribbean carnival, taste ancestral recipes, and meet local musicians sharing their songs.
Enhancing Cultural Immersion Through Interactive Experiences
The Bazaar elevates cultural immersion through a variety of engaging activities:
The Market
On sea days, The Market showcases local artisans and their crafts, offering unique souvenirs such as:
- Handmade Caribbean masks
- Traditional Mexican leather hats
- Locally crafted embroidery
Interactive Workshops
Guests can participate in hands-on experiences to create their own pieces, making these cultural encounters truly memorable.
Culinary and Dance Experiences
- Rum and chocolate pairings featuring bold Caribbean flavors
- Local dance classes teaching moves that embody the spirit of the sea and sun
These programs invite guests to actively engage with the rich cultural offerings, blending global exploration with personal experience and creating lasting memories of their journey.
Culinary Journeys at The Bazaar
The Bazaar transforms dining into an integral part of the cruise experience, allowing guests to savor local traditions and flavors throughout their journey.
Mosaic: A Culinary Adventure
- Adapts its menu to match the spirit of each port of call
- Open-kitchen concept allows guests to watch chefs at work
- Chef’s Table experience offers a multi-course tasting menu featuring chefs’ childhood favorites
- Paired with Celebrity’s award-winning wines
Chef’s Studio: Hands-On Culinary Experiences
Guests can participate in cooking classes to learn regional dishes such as:
- Caribbean spiced rum cake
- Mediterranean mezze
Spice: Casual Dining with a View
This laid-back venue offers:
- Rotating dishes reflecting visited ports
- Included in the cruise fare
- Impressive views through floor-to-ceiling windows
At The Bazaar, every meal becomes an opportunity to explore and celebrate the diverse cuisines of the destinations visited during the cruise.
- Celebrity Cruises. The Bazaar on Celebrity Xcel: A New Multi-Sensory Experience. Press Release. February 4, 2025.
- Hodges Bethge L. Transforming the Cruise Experience: The Bazaar on Celebrity Xcel. Cruise Industry News. 2025.
- McDaniel C. Celebrity Xcel to Feature The Bazaar, a New Way to Connect Cruise Ports to Ship. Cruise Critic. 2025.