A market-inspired Bazaar on the future Celebrity Xcel ship is an innovation set to redefine onboard shopping and cultural experiences for Celebrity Cruises. Its concept aims at “erasing the line” between ship and shore by providing authentic, locally sourced Caribbean products directly to the traveler.
To be launched in 2025, this is meant to give a more enhanced experience to Caribbean culture, artisans, and traditions-all of which will be offered without the need for travelers to ever leave their ship.
What Is the Celebrity Cruises Bazaar?
The Bazaar on Celebrity Xcel will be an interactive, open-air marketplace that offers handmade crafts, regional specialties, and locally inspired goods from the ship’s destinations.
Unlike many mass-produced gift shops found on cruise ships, Bazaar sells only authentic regionally sourced products.
Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge described that the Bazaar is supposed to “immerse guests in the local cultures of the destinations we visit.”
What to Expect at the Bazaar
The Celebrity Xcel Bazaar will showcase a rotating roster of local vendors and artisans. This will allow travelers to experience a thoughtful, culturally focused shopping experience. Some of the amenities include:
- Handcrafted souvenirs from Caribbean artisans.
- Locally made fashion and jewelry reflecting island heritage.
- Tradition foods and spices sourced from the ports of call.
- Live demonstration by local artisans, artists, and chefs
Celebrity Cruises wants to bridge the cruise traveler with local economies, such that regional business directly benefits from tourism.
How the Bazaar Enhances the Cruise Experience
For years, cruise lines have been under attack for offering uninspired onboard shopping options that reflect little of the destinations they visit. The Bazaar concept represents a shift toward cultural immersion and a more sustainable tourism model.
Key benefits to travelers include:
- A unique shopping experience without the need to disembark.
- A deeper connection to the regions visited.
- Exclusive access to locally crafted items that aren’t found in traditional cruise gift shops.
Bring the local experience onboard, so guests don’t just visit a destination—they engage with it,” Bethge said.
Sustainability and Supporting Local Communities
Celebrity Cruises is working with local artisans and businesses to ensure the Bazaar has a positive economic impact on Caribbean communities. Rather than buying mass-produced trinkets, cruise passengers will have the opportunity to support local craftsmanship and traditions.
Moreover, Celebrity Cruises is focusing on sustainable sourcing, ensuring that items sold in the Bazaar meet ethical and environmental standards.
What’s Next for Celebrity Xcel?
Celebrity Xcel will be the newest Edge-class ship to join Celebrity Cruises’ fleet, launching in November 2025. Among the features will be:
- Luxurious accommodations
- Expanded entertainment options
- New culinary experiences
The Bazaar will be the first of its kind and might be a benchmark for culturally immersive shopping experiences onboard cruise ships.
By bringing local culture directly onboard, the Celebrity Xcel Bazaar will create a meaningful and authentic experience for travelers while giving back to regional communities.
For the cruise enthusiast looking for more than just souvenirs, this immersive marketplace may be the perfect way to connect with the heart and soul of the Caribbean without ever leaving the ship.
