Celebrity Cruises is expanding its presence in the Caribbean with the arrival of Celebrity Xcite, the sixth ship in the Edge Series, for which bookings are now officially open for the inaugural season. The ship is scheduled to make her debut in 2028, joining an extensive programme featuring departures from four Florida ports and more Edge Series ships sailing in the region than in any previous season.
The cruise line aims to further strengthen its Caribbean offering for 2028 and 2029, introducing itineraries of varying lengths and new opportunities to explore some of the region’s most popular destinations. According to Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, the Caribbean remains one of guests’ favourite holiday destinations, and the new programme is designed to meet this demand with refreshed travel experiences, combining established destinations with innovative design, enhanced service and new onboard offerings.
Celebrity Xcite’s inaugural season will feature seven-night itineraries departing from Miami, with rotating routes calling at some of the Caribbean’s leading destinations. Ports of call will include St. Thomas, Antigua, the British Virgin Islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Maarten and the Dominican Republic. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy white-sand beaches, swim in the region’s crystal-clear waters and explore the islands’ natural and cultural attractions. Highlights include The Baths on Virgin Gorda, one of the most distinctive natural landmarks in the British Virgin Islands.
Another major addition to the programme concerns Celebrity Beyond, which will bring the Edge Series experience to shorter itineraries for the first time. From November 2028 to March 2029, the ship will operate nine three-night weekend cruises from Fort Lauderdale to The Bahamas. This new option is designed for guests looking for a short getaway without compromising on the class’s distinctive design and onboard experiences. Guests will also be able to enjoy new dining and entertainment venues, including Orange Peel Bar & Grille, Tacos del Sol and Bora, all scheduled to debut on board in November 2026.
The short-break offering will be further complemented by Celebrity Eclipse, with weekend departures from Fort Lauderdale, and Celebrity Summit, which will operate four- and five-night itineraries from Miami. Selected sailings will also include the opportunity to visit Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, The Bahamas.
For guests wishing to explore the region in greater depth, Celebrity Cruises will also offer longer itineraries departing from Fort Lauderdale. Celebrity Beyond will operate eight- to eleven-night cruises calling at destinations such as St. Kitts and Nevis, Martinique, Barbados, Saint Lucia and Antigua. The programme will also include six itineraries through the Panama Canal, offering guests the opportunity to experience its iconic lock system before continuing their journey towards the Caribbean.
Celebrity Ascent will also operate longer routes, with nine- to twelve-night cruises. Destinations will include Grand Cayman, Aruba, Curaçao, Saint Lucia, Martinique, St. Maarten, Barbados, Antigua and the Turks and Caicos Islands. These itineraries will be complemented by eleven-night cruises aboard Celebrity Eclipse, also departing from Fort Lauderdale.
From the same port, Celebrity Xcel will operate six- and eight-night itineraries, alternating between Southern Caribbean routes calling at Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao, and Western Caribbean cruises visiting Mexico, Honduras and Grand Cayman. While on board, guests will also be able to discover The Bazaar, the ship’s immersive experience celebrating the traditions, flavours and atmosphere of the destinations visited.
Celebrity Silhouette will also play an important role in the programme, offering eight- to twelve-night summer itineraries and expanding opportunities to visit the Southern Caribbean during the warmer months. Ports of call will include Barbados, Martinique, Saint Lucia and Grenada, giving guests the chance to discover the region’s beaches, natural attractions and culinary traditions.
From October, the ship will also operate seven-night cruises departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, each featuring five days in port. Destinations will include St. Thomas, Antigua, Martinique, Saint Lucia and Barbados.
Celebrity Reflection will continue her year-round Caribbean operations, offering six- to eight-night itineraries from Fort Lauderdale. The ship will return to service following a major refurbishment scheduled for March 2027, which will introduce 13 new spaces and venues. These will include the Grand Plaza, one of the signature features of the Edge Series, as well as popular venues already introduced aboard the revitalised Celebrity Solstice. The project will also bring new outdoor areas, dining concepts and entertainment options, further enhancing the onboard experience.
The 2028-2029 programme will also mark Celebrity Apex’s return to Cape Canaveral, with itineraries designed for guests in Central Florida. Eastern Caribbean cruises will visit the British Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic and St. Maarten, while Western Caribbean itineraries will call at Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Key West. From Tampa, meanwhile, Celebrity Constellation will offer seven-night cruises to Key West, The Bahamas and the Western Caribbean.
Bookings for the new Caribbean programme will open on two different dates: winter 2028-2029 sailings are available to book from 3 November 2026, while summer 2028 cruises will go on sale on 9 December 2026.
With the addition of Celebrity Xcite and a total of ten ships involved in the programme, Celebrity Cruises is preparing for one of the most extensive Caribbean seasons in its history. By combining short and longer itineraries, new onboard experiences and an increasingly diverse range of destinations, the cruise line aims to offer guests even more opportunities to discover the region throughout the year.
Gabriele Bassi
