New Cruise Ship Courting Caribbean Culture | St. Thomas Source

New Cruise Ship Embracing Caribbean Culture

The Celebrity Xcel cruise ship is set to offer its 3,200 passengers a taste of the Virgin Islands' culture before they even step ashore.

The cruise industry has long incorporated regional experiences onboard, such as serving local cuisine and bringing in experts to provide insight into the destinations visited.

For the Xcel, Celebrity Cruises plans to take this a step further, serving traditional Caribbean food and drink, and hosting an interactive carnival celebration.

Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge said the idea is for passengers to get a dose of the Caribbean before stepping ashore.

This approach aims to make the onboard experience feel as natural and warm as the real thing.

Author's summary: Celebrity Xcel offers Caribbean culture onboard.

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St. Thomas Source St. Thomas Source — 2025-10-12

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