Music festivals and an 80s club: Celebrity reveals shows on next ship

Celebrity Cruises wants to make sure that Celebrity Xcel stands out from other Edge Class ships. 

Celebrity's newest ship is set to enter service next month as the line's fifth Edge Class ship. However, she won't be a carbon copy of the vessels that preceded her. 

For starters, they replaced Eden with a new venue called The Bazaar that will host unique festivals, culinary experiences, and more.

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Most recently, Celebrity Cruises shared new details of the entertainment changes that cruisers can expect on Celebrity Xcel — and they're going all out. 

"Celebrity Xcel will further elevate Celebrity's award-winning offering to create a world-class entertainment destination our guests are going to love," said Lisa Lehr, Vice President of Entertainment for Celebrity Cruises. 

"With over 75 resident performers, guests will find unforgettable experiences and unexpected surprises at every turn."

Leaving traditional cruise entertainment behind

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The original theater shows will feature Celebrity's largest cast, combining world-class singers, dancers, parkour artists, and specialty aerial performers with cutting-edge technology — think kinetic lighting, laser video etching, projection mapping, pyrotechnics, and a 110-foot curved kinetic LED screen.

First, Mainstage is more than a simple tribute to music and culture. This high-energy concert takes guests on a journey through iconic music festivals, featuring everything from electrifying dance hits and beloved country tunes from top artists spanning the decades.

Next, Between Takes whisks guests away to a 1920s Hollywood backlot as a crew tries to create the next big blockbuster. According to Celebrity, the spectacle juxtaposes the glamour of the screen with the behind-the-scenes reality of life on set. Guests can expect everything from incredible vocals to high-flying stunts and mind-blowing choreography. 

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Finally, Chapters is a reflective performance that encourages guests to find pieces of their own story as the plot unfolds on stage. The visually stunning journey takes passengers on an emotional journey through nature, transformation, and self-discovery.

Outside of the main theater, The Club will host two brand-new interactive shows. The first, 254 West, transports guests back to the 80s for the closing night of the iconic "254 West" club. The party doesn't stop when the club shuts its door, either. There's a wild after-party for the groovy ragers. 

HOTEL is a "whodunit" performance that features bold musical numbers and eccentric characters. The mystery unfolds with razor-sharp wit and twists at every turn — and the scandalous crime must be solved before it’s time to pack up and check out!

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While The Club's shows are immersive entertainment, The Bazaar will take guests on a cultural journey that goes beyond the ship’s ports of call.

As such, the new entertainment space will be home to four festivals, Carnival, Aqua, Viva, and Flora, each celebrating the cultures of places like The Bahamas, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, and the Dominican Republic.

As such, no two visits to The Bazaar will be the same! And as the sun sets, the onboard energy only builds.

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Live music and a lineup of all-new dance parties ensure that there's something for everyone to enjoy. 

For example, guests can sing along to their favorite hits at the piano bar, while those craving a little bit of country flair can head to the Saddle Up Saloon party. 

A brand-new candlelight concert experience will celebrate Classic Rock's most iconic artists for those seeking something more chill. 

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Moreover, the Mediterranean vibes will be high at Bora. By day, live musicians play energetic hits to bring the brunch scene to life, while evenings focus on Greek ballads and Italian love songs.

And finally, it's not a Celebrity cruise without a fun deck party. Shine the Night is returning and will be better than before!