Celebrity Cruises presents its 2026 “President’s Cruise,” offering an unforgettable Mediterranean vacation aboard the Celebrity Xcel. This voyage will welcome Captain’s Club on an eight-night holiday to Greece and Turkey from September 13-21, 2026.
The cruise departs from Athens and visits the Greek islands of Mykonos, Rhodes, and Santorini, the historic city of Ephesus, and Malta, before concluding in Barcelona. The voyage will also offer an exciting array of shore excursions, special events, and unique experiences available only on the 2026 “President’s Cruise.” This is a unique opportunity for loyal Celebrity Cruises guests to spend time with the cruise line’s president, Laura Hodges Bethge, and the executive team, while mingling with other members of the Captain’s Club.
“Our annual President’s Cruise is my favorite cruise of the year, as we dedicate an entire itinerary to celebrating and spending time with our Captain’s Club members,” said Hodges Bethge. “The entire Celebrity team loves hearing guest stories and experiences, and the feedback we receive while onboard is critical to shaping the future Celebrity Cruises guest experience.”
This year, guests immersed themselves in the magic and culture of picturesque Norway on Celebrity’s first-ever “President’s Cruise,” sailing through the Norwegian Fjords aboard Celebrity Apex. From May 17 to 25, guests enjoyed an exciting array of exclusive onboard experiences, premium tailor-made excursions, and a preview of what Celebrity guests can expect in the months and years to come.
Before setting sail, the celebrations began with the first-ever President's Cruise City Stay in London. Loyalty program guests enjoyed private city tours, including Kensington Palace, and were welcomed at the inaugural President's Cruise Gala Dinner at the Natural History Museum. The exciting evening, featuring a performance by West End star Cedric Neal, kicked off an incredible week.
The energetic week aboard Celebrity Apex kicked off with a fabulous Sail Away event on the ship's Resort Deck. This high-energy celebration featured entertainment from a Beatles tribute band and performances by the UK rhythmic gymnastics team.
Throughout the week, guests enjoyed surprises onboard. Celebrity chef and culinary ambassador Daniel Boulud took to the stage in the theater for an intimate talk, where he shared his inspiration for becoming a chef and operating his first kitchens at sea with Celebrity Cruises, followed by an exclusive book signing for guests. The Michelin-starred chef then took to the kitchen to prepare a very special luncheon for Zenith members, featuring a menu customized by Boulud. The fun continued with a lively cooking competition, where guests and Celebrity Cruises chefs teamed up to create dishes, with Boulud, Hodges Bethge, and Celebrity Apex hotel director Arjan Scheepers crowning the winning dish.
On land, a wide array of shore excursions led by Celebrity Cruises executives invited guests to explore the stunning destination. Exclusive experiences included a beer-mixing tour at Bourgogne Des Flanders in Bruges, Belgium; a Briksdal Glacier excursion with wine tasting; a private fishing trip; and an unforgettable kayaking journey through the Valldal Fjords. A private experience at the Flor og Fjære Gardens granted guests exclusive access to a family-owned paradise island. The evening was steeped in Norwegian culture, with a welcome from a brass band and a three-course menu of local cuisine prepared with on-site grown ingredients, each course paired with local wines and cider.
Annual sailing is one of the many perks for Captain's Club, who enjoy a wider range of benefits than ever before with the Royal Caribbean Group's Loyalty Status Match, an industry-first tier-equalizing program.
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