The Countdown Timeline

3 Months Before

• Confirm Cruise Booking: Double-check all details of your Celebrity Xcel booking, including dates, cabin assignment, and passenger information.
• Research and Book Flights: Secure flights to your departure port, considering arrival time for embarkation and potential delays.
• Explore Excursions: Begin researching shore excursions in your ports of call. Popular tours on Celebrity cruises can sell out quickly.
• Consider Travel Insurance: Research and purchase travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances like trip cancellations or medical emergencies.
• Start a Packing List: Begin a preliminary packing list to ensure you don't forget any essentials.

1 Month Before

• Finalize Excursion Bookings: Book your desired shore excursions to guarantee availability.
• Confirm Dining Reservations: If desired, make reservations for specialty restaurants on the Celebrity Xcel.
• Purchase Cruise Apparel: Shop for cruise-appropriate clothing, including swimwear, lightweight attire, and evening wear. Consider a moisture-wicking cruise tee for handling the Caribbean humidity.
• Check Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
• Arrange Transportation: Book transportation from the airport to the cruise terminal and back.

1 Week Before

• Pack Your Bags: Begin packing your suitcases, referring to your packing list to ensure you have everything you need.
• Gather Travel Documents: Assemble all necessary travel documents, including passports, cruise tickets, and any required visas.
• Download the Celebrity Cruises App: Download the Celebrity Cruises app to manage your onboard account, view daily schedules, and make reservations.
• Notify Your Bank and Credit Card Companies: Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards while abroad.
• Confirm Airport Transfers: Reconfirm your airport transfer arrangements.

Day Before

• Finalize Packing: Double-check your packing list and make any last-minute adjustments.
• Prepare Carry-On Bag: Pack a carry-on bag with essentials such as medications, toiletries, a change of clothes, and important documents.
• Print Luggage Tags: Print your luggage tags and attach them securely to your suitcases.
• Charge Electronic Devices: Fully charge all electronic devices, including phones, tablets, and cameras.
• Get Some Rest: Get a good night's sleep before your trip.

Embarkation Day

• Enjoy a Relaxing Morning: Have a leisurely breakfast and complete any last-minute tasks.
• Check for Updates: Check the Celebrity Cruises app or website for any updates or changes to the embarkation process.
• Arrive at the Terminal: Arrive at the cruise terminal at your assigned time to avoid long lines.
• Complete Check-In: Complete the check-in process, providing your travel documents and boarding pass.
• Board the Ship: Board the Celebrity Xcel and begin your cruise vacation!

The Packing Checklist

• Documents:
  • Passport: Absolutely essential and valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
  • Cruise Tickets/Boarding Pass: Printed or digital copy.
  • Government-Issued Photo ID: Driver's license or other acceptable ID.
  • Travel Insurance Information: Policy details and contact information.
  • Excursion Confirmations: Printed copies of your shore excursion confirmations.
  • Credit Cards and Cash: For onboard expenses and port activities.
• Clothing:
  • Swimsuits: Pack at least two to allow one to dry.
  • Cover-Ups: For wearing over swimsuits around the pool deck.
  • Shorts and T-Shirts: Lightweight and comfortable options for daytime activities. A few custom cruise shirts can add a fun, coordinated touch for your group.
  • Casual Dresses or Skirts: For daytime or evening wear.
  • Pants or Jeans: For cooler evenings or air-conditioned spaces.
  • Evening Attire: Consider the dress code for formal nights on the Celebrity Xcel. Cocktail dresses, dress pants, and button-down shirts are appropriate.
  • Underwear and Socks: Pack enough for each day of your cruise.
  • Pajamas: Comfortable sleepwear.
  • Walking Shoes: Comfortable shoes for exploring ports of call.
  • Sandals or Flip-Flops: For the pool deck and casual outings.
  • Dress Shoes: For formal nights or evenings in specialty restaurants.
  • Light Jacket or Sweater: For cooler evenings or air-conditioned spaces.
• Electronics:
  • Smartphone: For communication, navigation, and photography.
  • Tablet or E-Reader: For entertainment.
  • Camera: For capturing memories.
  • Chargers: For all electronic devices.
  • Portable Power Bank: To recharge devices on the go.
  • Adapters: If necessary for the electrical outlets on the ship.
• Toiletries:
  • Sunscreen: High SPF to protect your skin from the Caribbean sun.
  • After-Sun Lotion: To soothe sunburned skin.
  • Insect Repellent: Especially important for shore excursions.
  • Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Wash: While provided, you may prefer your own.
  • Toothbrush, Toothpaste, and Floss: Oral hygiene essentials.
  • Deodorant: Stay fresh throughout your cruise.
  • Makeup: If desired.
  • Hair Products: Hair spray, gel, or other styling products.
  • Medications: Prescription and over-the-counter medications.
  • Motion Sickness Remedies: If you are prone to motion sickness.
• Extras:
  • Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun.
  • Hat or Visor: For sun protection.
  • Beach Bag: To carry essentials to the pool or beach.
  • Water Bottle: To stay hydrated.
  • Snacks: For between meals or shore excursions.
  • Books or Magazines: For entertainment.
  • Small First-Aid Kit: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers.
  • Ziploc Bags: For storing wet items or snacks.
  • Laundry Detergent Sheets: For quick washes in your cabin sink.
  • Travel-Sized Laundry Bag: To separate dirty clothes.

Don't Forget These

• Passport: Without a valid passport, you will be denied boarding. Ensure it's valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
• Medications: Forgetting essential medications can be a serious problem. Pack them in your carry-on bag to ensure you have them when you need them.
• Sunscreen: The Caribbean sun is intense. Forgetting sunscreen can lead to painful sunburn and long-term skin damage.
• Phone Charger: Staying connected is important. Forgetting your phone charger can leave you without communication or access to important information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the dress code on Celebrity Xcel?

Celebrity Cruises typically has a "smart casual" dress code most evenings, with one or two "Evening Chic" nights per cruise. "Evening Chic" is dressier than smart casual, but not as formal as traditional formal nights. Pack accordingly with cocktail dresses, dress pants, and button-down shirts.

What kind of power outlets are available on Celebrity Xcel?

Celebrity Xcel typically features both North American (110V) and European (220V) outlets in the staterooms. However, it's always a good idea to bring a universal adapter just in case.

What is included in the price of my cruise?

The base cruise fare typically includes your stateroom, meals in the main dining rooms and buffet, access to onboard entertainment, and use of the ship's facilities like pools and gyms. Additional costs include shore excursions, specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities.

Can I bring my own alcohol onboard?

Celebrity Cruises generally prohibits passengers from bringing their own alcohol onboard. However, each adult passenger is typically allowed to bring one bottle of wine or champagne per voyage during embarkation day only. This is subject to change, so confirm with Celebrity directly.

What are some family-friendly activities on Celebrity Xcel?

Celebrity Xcel offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including kids' clubs, teen lounges, pool areas, and organized games and events. Check the daily schedule for specific activities and times.