There will be four destination specific festivals at The Bazaar.
The themed happenings are designed for guests to continue experiencing the sights, sounds, flavors and traditions of the Mediterranean after leaving the port.
“Since the concept launched on Celebrity Xcel in November, The Bazaar has kept guests enveloped in the culture of destinations well beyond their time in port,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises.
Programming is designed to blend onboard and in-port experiences.
Opa Festival immerses guests in the traditions of Greece. By day, it celebrates Greek culture with iconic cuisine and hands-on activities like “Mati” evil eye jewellery crafts. The even brings live musicians and dancing.
La Dolce Vita Festival is all about Italy. Guests enjoy hands-on experiences like the art of making pastas and tiramisu before an elegant Venetian night of entertainment.
Salud Festival is a celebration of Spain sipping sangria and sampling local dishes. The evening ramps up with flamenco dancers and matadors.
Silk & Spice Festival invites guests on a sensory journey through the spices, dances, and music inspired by the cultures of Morocco and Turkey. During the day, guests can sip fragrant teas and enjoy hands-on activities. At night, energetic music and whirling dancers will captivate guests.
In a first-of-its-kind concept, no two days are the same, the cruise line says.
Each event showcases local food and beverage, crafting experiences, retail activations, cooking and dance classes and local musicians.
On sea days, Market at The Bazaar invites guests to take home produce of Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Portugal and Morocco.
It comprises regional artisan produced gifts such as olive oil, Italian scarves, or handmade painted tiles.
Starting in May 2026, Celebrity Xcel sails an inaugural European season in the Mediterranean on seven- to 11-night journeys out of Barcelona and Athens.
Tags: Mediterranean festivals at sea Celebrity Xcel Laura Hodges Bethge Celebrity Cruises.
