Europe and Mediterranean: Italy & French Riviera Cruise

Celebrity Cruises

In the French Riviera, you'll uncover a rich landscape and culture that has inspired some of the world's most renowned artists, architects, writers, and chefs. Cruising to Italy, this destination has a bounty of treasures waiting to be discovered, from mouthwatering cuisine to magnificent archaeological sites and some of the world's greatest art treasures. Embark on exciting shore excursions that include in-depth city tours, wine tastings, cooking classes, and more. There's no shortage of beauty and wonder awaiting you on an Italy and French Riviera cruise with Celebrity Cruises.

Included Extras

Executive Member Benefit

  • Executive Members receive an annual 2% Reward, up to $1,250, on qualified Costco Travel purchases

Digital Costco Shop Card

  • Member Exclusive: Digital Costco Shop Card with every Celebrity Cruises sailing†

Sailing Itinerary

Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.

Day 1 Port of Call Barcelona Departure 5:00p.m.

Overview

 
select to open Barcelona pictures - Opens a dialog

Barcelona is a charming, cosmopolitan port on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. This prosperous and bilingual (Spanish and Catalan) metropolis measures up to a city such as Madrid: its museums, theaters, art galleries, and nightlife area are of an impressively high standard. Besides that, this art and design center has a lot of interesting sights to offer to its visitors. The best place to watch people go by, stroll, or simply relax, is 'Las Ramblas', a pedestrian street with dozens of outdoor cafes. Here, you’ll find flower stands, book kiosks, and small market stalls where they sell birds and small animals. You’ll also find an endlessly fascinating flowing receptacle of pageant jugglers, singers, dancers, puppeteers, sidewalk artists, living statues, and assorted oddballs on parade. Nearby is 'Place Real', with plenty of bars and restaurants, and 'Palau Guell', built by the Catalan architectural genius Antoni Gaudi in his undulating art-nouveau style. After having seen these sights, stroll the narrow winding streets of the 'Barri Gotic', the medieval Gothic quarter full of interesting tapas bars, and cafes. Check out Picasso’s old hangout, 'Els Quatre Gats', which has been renovated without losing its bohemian charm. Or head for the old Barceloneta section on the waterfront. This working-class area, which was always slightly rundown and scruffy-looking, is now packed with paella restaurants. The new beach area, which runs from Barceloneta to the Olympic Village, is much cleaner than the old beach area. Although some people believe that it has been cleaned up considerably, it might be a wise idea to stay out of the water. Fortunately, the beach itself is already a feast for the eyes (and ears), with its huge and roaring waves.

Day 2 Port of Call Nice Arrival 9:00a.m. Departure 8:00p.m.

Overview

 
select to open Nice pictures - Opens a dialog

"Nice, the capital of the Cote d'Azur, is perhaps the most visited city along the Mediterranean and stays busy year-round. Thanks to the many festivals, exhibitions, expositions, and the traditional carnival, Nice has grown into the modern, bustling city it is today. I can't imagine not being 'smitten' with this beautiful place and its spectacular surroundings. Take a walk along the renowned 'Promenade des Anglais', and you'll know what I mean. A melting pot for visitors from around the globe, this elegant palm-lined street follows the beach along the Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels). Across the street, an endless string of fancy hotels, restaurants, and chic shops seems to go on for miles. "margin-top:0.6em; Perhaps the best-known building along this strip, and certainly the most spectacular, is the Hotel Negresco. Built in 1912 and always catering to those with money, it's an architectural marvel, elaborates, to say the least with wonderful details. But don't expect to be able to catch a glimpse of the interior unless you have a reservation. The entrance is well guarded and sneaking in is virtually impossible (although we tried!). Another well-known building is the Ruhl Casino, home of the high rollers! The Hotel Meridien is part of the grand structure which also houses a top-notch restaurant and a Cabaret, featuring lively shows (a la Moulin Rouge!) and concerts. ; The beach in Nice, although a wide crescent shape and picturesque, can be a disappointment if you are not prepared for the fact that it's not sandy. Instead, you'll find smooth pebbles and rocks, but regardless, by mid-da,y it will be packed! Entrepreneurs capitalize on the fact that you'll need a lounge chair to sunbathe them comfortably, and they can be rented everywhere, along with colorful umbrellas. Prices vary from place to place, depending on whether or not you choose an area with wooden decking built over the rocks, or whether or not you want to include a lunch. Numerous small restaurants line the beach, inviting you to sit down, relax, and enjoy the spectacular view of the Baie des Anges or just, well, people watch!! The sea is crystal clear and blue, and gentle waves roll the small pebbles back and forth, creating a unique sound. Swimming and sunbathing is a favorite activity here and even away from the beach, you can hardly find a spot, rock outcropping, or cove, without people having claimed it for the day. In sharp contrast to the hustle and bustle of the Promenade, visiting the old part of Nice is like stepping back in time. The buildings along the narrow streets date back to the 17th century, small alleyways are lined with little shops selling local merchandise, and outdoor cafes are to be found everywhere. This is where I had the best pizza ever, smothered with four cheeses, a true culinary delight! The Flower Market here shouldn't be missed. Not only can you admire stand after stand with the most beautiful and colorful arrays of flowers and plants, but you'll find an abundance of fresh produce (veggies, marvelous fruits, olives, etc.), meats, fish, cheese,s, and baked goods. Your taste buds will be tempted beyond imagination, you can even sample some of the delectable goods and I can guarantee that you won't leave empty-handed! A popular stop for tourists is the Russian Orthodox Cathedral with its spectacular five domes and colorful exterior. It's quite beautiful, unfortunately, the interior was closed at the time of our visit. On a plateau, 300 feet above Nice, are the remains of an old fortress. Now a park, this area is perfect for an excellent overview of Nice, the beach, and the Bay. You can reach it by a series of steps at the end of the Promenade, or by elevator just below the steps. A huge man-made waterfall cascades down from the top, and you can stroll through the beautiful Castle gardens or visit the Naval Museum. Nice boasts several excellent art museums, such as the Musee Cheret and the Musee National de Marc Chagall, displaying works from four centuries of European art. We arrived in Nice by cruise ship and docked in the colorful 'Port Lympia' (port of the clear water), one of the prettiest ports in the Mediterranean. If you are energetic, you can walk from here to the Promenade des Anglais and even to the old town. But no visit to Nice would be complete without exploring the surroundings. If you don't have a lot of time, you might want to consider the short drive to the isolated, medieval village of Eze, which clings like an eagle's nest to the top of a rock, 1400 feet above the sea. Take the Middle Corniche Road to get there, on the way marvel at the gorgeous villas built into the hills, the beautiful flowers and gardens, and at virtually every turn, the magnificent view of the Bay below. Perched so high on the rocky peak, has managed to preserve its medieval appearance. Vehicles have to be left below, leaving you to explore this magical place on foot. Narrow, tiny streets wind upward through the village, each building has been meticulously preserved, now housing quaint shops, even a small hotel,l, and restaurant. If I were an artist, this is where I would have to test my skills, each turn revealing a picture so pleasing to the eye. Old stone walls draped with colorful flowers, small arched doorways leading into cool, almost cave-like rooms, where merchants display their wares, and way up on top, a sprawling, exotic cactus garden, unlike any I've ever seen before. Top that off with spectacular panoramic 360-degree views, terra cotta roofs, green hillsides, and the blue sea far below and you'll have to pinch yourself to make sure it's real.

Day 3 Port of Call Portofino Arrival 8:00a.m. Departure 9:00p.m.

Overview

 
select to open Portofino pictures - Opens a dialog

Portofino is a fishing village on the Italian Riviera coastline, southeast of Genoa city. Pastel-colored houses, high-end boutiques, and seafood restaurants fringe its Piazzetta, a small cobbled square overlooking the harbor, which is lined with super-yachts. A path leads from the Piazzetta to Castello Brown, a 16th-century fortress and museum with art exhibitions and panoramic views of the town and the Ligurian Sea.

Day 4 Port of Call La Spezia Arrival 7:00a.m. Departure 7:00p.m.

Overview

 
select to open La Spezia pictures - Opens a dialog

La Spezia is a port city in Liguria, Italy. Its 1800s maritime arsenal and the Technical Naval Museum, with ship models and navigational instruments, attest to the city’s seafaring heritage. The hilltop St. George’s Castle houses an archaeological museum with artifacts from prehistory to the Middle Ages. The nearby Amedeo Lia Museum exhibits paintings, bronze sculptures, and illuminated miniatures in a former convent.

Day 5 Port of Call Rome/Civitavecchia Arrival 7:00a.m. Departure 8:00p.m.

Overview

 
select to open Rome/Civitavecchia pictures - Opens a dialog

Located about 80 kilometers northwest of Rome, the Port of Civitavecchia is the port of Rome and a busy ferry and cargo port serving Italy and southern Europe. Lying on Italy’s eastern shores on the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Port of Civitavecchia has excellent direct connections to Rome. It is an important cruise and ferry port with regular passage to Sardinia, Malta, Sicily, Tunis, and Barcelona. Fishing is of secondary importance to the Port of Civitavecchia. In addition to ocean-going traffic, the Port of Civitavecchia also contains a thermoelectric center and metallurgical works. In 2006, over 51 thousand people called the Port of Civitavecchia home. The Port of Civitavecchia was built on an earlier Etruscan settlement. Emperor Trajan founded the Port of Civitavecchia in the early 2nd Century, calling it Centumcellae. Today, Trajan’s Port is preserved within today’s Port of Civitavecchia. A busy growing town during the late Roman era, the Port of Civitavecchia was attacked by Vandals and then destroyed by the Saracens in 828 AD. Residents escaped to the nearby Allumiere Mountains where Pope Leo IV built a walled town in 854. Eventually, the people returned to Civitavecchia (the name means “old city”). At the end of the 15th Century, the Port of Civitavecchia was under frequent attack by pirates. The naval arsenal was constructed in 1508. Pope Paul III commissioned the building of the keep, which was designed by Donato Bramante and then finished by Michelangelo in 1537, to protect the Port of Civitavecchia from pirate attacks. In 1696, Civitavecchia became a free port under Pope Innocent XII. Because it was Rome’s main port, the French occupied the Port of Civitavecchia in 1849. The Port of Civitavecchia was linked to Rome by the Rome and Civitavecchia Rail Road in 1859. When the Port of Civitavecchia became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1870, it was one of the Papal State’s most strongly fortified towns when Papal troops welcomed General Nino Bixio on behalf of the Italian unification forces into the Port of Civitavecchia fortress. World War II brought destruction to as much as three-quarters of the Port of Civitavecchia. Reconstruction enlarged the Port of Civitavecchia beyond its pre-war area. The Authority Portuale Civitavecchia (Port of Rome) is responsible for managing and operating the Port of Civitavecchia as well as the ports of Fiumicino and Gaeta. The modern Port of Civitavecchia is at the center of rail, road, and air networks that link it with central Italy and the world. The Port of Civitavecchia can handle about 11 million tons of cargo per year and over 1.5 million passengers. Cargoes include forest products, cereals, iron and steel, chemicals, automobiles, containers, and liquid bulk. In 2007, the Port of Civitavecchia welcomed 856 cruise vessels carrying 1.6 million passengers, and the total number of passengers using ferries and cruise vessels was 3.8 million. In 2007, the Port of Civitavecchia handled a total of 7.7 million tons of cargo. This total included 1.5 million tons of liquid bulk, 1.7 million tons of solid bulk, 4.6 million tons of packages, and 31.1 thousand TEUs of containerized cargo. The Port of Civitavecchia contains 28 berths of a total of 5.6 thousand meters in length alongside depths from 6 to 18 meters. Port properties include five warehouses containing 36 thousand square meters for handling and storing cargo. The intermodal terminal includes seven thousand square meters of storage space and 12.5 thousand square meters for loading/unloading rail cars and parking. The Port of Civitavecchia is one of the busiest ferry ports in the world. Just 80 kilometers northwest of Rome, it is the main tourist destination for people traveling to the Eternal City. It is also a central port for ferries carrying passengers to more local destinations. The ferry terminal offers a complete line of amenities. Different ferry companies offer services to various destinations. Moby Lines handles crossings to Olbia, Sardinia. Corsica Sardinia Ferries runs services to Golfo Aranci. Grimaldi Ferries carries passengers to Barcelona and Tunis, and Grand Navi Veloci operates a route to Tunis. Ferrovie dello Stato operates a combined rail-ferry service to Golfo Aranci.

Day 6 Port of Call Naples Arrival 8:00a.m. Departure 7:00p.m.

Overview

 
select to open Naples pictures - Opens a dialog

Naples, a city in southern Italy, sits on the Bay of Naples. Nearby is Mount Vesuvius, the still-active volcano that destroyed the nearby Roman town of Pompeii. Dating to the 2nd millennium B.C., Naples has centuries of important art and architecture. The city's cathedral, the Duomo di San Gennaro, is filled with frescoes. Other major landmarks include the lavish Royal Palace and Castel Nuovo, a 13th-century castle.

Day 7 Cruising
Day 8 Port of Call Barcelona Arrival 5:00a.m.

Overview

 
select to open Barcelona pictures - Opens a dialog

Barcelona is a charming, cosmopolitan port on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. This prosperous and bilingual (Spanish and Catalan) metropolis measures up to a city such as Madrid: its museums, theaters, art galleries, and nightlife area are of an impressively high standard. Besides that, this art and design center has a lot of interesting sights to offer to its visitors. The best place to watch people go by, stroll, or simply relax, is 'Las Ramblas', a pedestrian street with dozens of outdoor cafes. Here, you’ll find flower stands, book kiosks, and small market stalls where they sell birds and small animals. You’ll also find an endlessly fascinating flowing receptacle of pageant jugglers, singers, dancers, puppeteers, sidewalk artists, living statues, and assorted oddballs on parade. Nearby is 'Place Real', with plenty of bars and restaurants, and 'Palau Guell', built by the Catalan architectural genius Antoni Gaudi in his undulating art-nouveau style. After having seen these sights, stroll the narrow winding streets of the 'Barri Gotic', the medieval Gothic quarter full of interesting tapas bars, and cafes. Check out Picasso’s old hangout, 'Els Quatre Gats', which has been renovated without losing its bohemian charm. Or head for the old Barceloneta section on the waterfront. This working-class area, which was always slightly rundown and scruffy-looking, is now packed with paella restaurants. The new beach area, which runs from Barceloneta to the Olympic Village, is much cleaner than the old beach area. Although some people believe that it has been cleaned up considerably, it might be a wise idea to stay out of the water. Fortunately, the beach itself is already a feast for the eyes (and ears), with its huge and roaring waves.

Onboard the Celebrity Xcel

Cruise FPO 6 select to open Celebrity Xcel pictures - Opens a dialog

Costco Member Reviews

Not enough reviews to display yet

Introducing a new ship that excels into a class of its own. Celebrity Xcel(SM) combines the greatest hits of our Edge® Series—including all your favorites—with entirely new experiences that will change the game all over again. Making its debut in the Caribbean in November 2025, Celebrity Xcel will take the tropics to breathtaking new heights. In the meantime, stay tuned as we reveal more exciting details over the coming months, from visionary new spaces to delicious new food and drink concepts.

Onboard Activities

Activities & Services (included in cruise)

 

  • Casino
  • Theater/Show Lounge

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

 


    Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the cruise line without notice. Staterooms designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

    Dining

    Blu

    Main Dining

    Main Dining Room: Discover not one but four complimentary main restaurants, each with a distinctive design and signature dishes inspired by specific regions of the world. You'll also find new menus and menu selections across the main restaurants. Even the cuisine takes you to new places aboard Celebrity Xcel.

    Blu: Available exclusively to AquaClass® guests, Blu specializes in the concept of "clean cuisine". Popular dishes are prepared in imaginative and flavorful ways, without fussiness or pretense. Blue is open for breakfast and dinner.

    Luminae at the Retreat®: Globally inspired and cutting-edge dining, exclusively reserved for Celebrity's Suite Class.

     

    Casual Dining

    Magic Carpet: Dine, drink and soar above the sea on the Celebrity's cantilevered, floating platform. Magic Carpet® isn't just one magical venue, it's several! A bar, lounge, restaurant, even a gateway to Celebrity's reimagined tenders that seamlessly whisk you to your destinations in comfort.

    Market at the Bazaar: Celebrity Xcel is erasing the line completely. From the culture, flavors, sights and sounds of the destinations the ship visits to the local festivals those destinations are famous for, the experience is so authentic. At the Market at the Bazaar, you won't have to search far and wide for one-of-kind finds. Celebrity has assembled the best local must-haves right onboard.


    Times, costs and other specifics are outside the control of Costco Travel. All information is at the sole discretion of the cruise line and is subject to change without notice. Dining time and table size preferences are submitted to the cruise line on a first-come, first-served request basis and are confirmed aboard ship. Questions, concerns and/or special needs regarding dining arrangements must be addressed with the maitre d' hotel aboard ship. Every effort is made to accommodate travelers' preferences; however, Costco Travel cannot guarantee dining arrangements. In specialty restaurants, space is limited and reservations are recommended. A cover charge and dress code may apply.

    Staterooms

    • Inside (Category: I2)

      Category: I2

    • Deluxe Inside (Category: DI)

      Category: DI

    • Guarantee - Inside (Category: Z)

      Category: Z
      This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

    • Deluxe Ocean View (Category: DO)

      Category: DO

    • Prime Ocean View (Category: O1)

      Category: O1

    • Ocean View (Category: O2)

      Category: O2

    • Panoramic Ocean View (Category: PO)

      Category: PO

    • Guarantee - Oceanview (Category: Y)

      Category: Y
      This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

    • Prime Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda (Category: E1)

      Category: E1

    • Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda (Category: E2)

      Category: E2

    • Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda (partial view) (Category: E3)

      Category: E3

    • Edge Single Stateroom with Infinite Veranda (Category: ES)

      Category: ES

    • Deluxe Porthole View with Veranda (Category: P1)

      Category: P1

    • Deluxe Porthole View with Veranda (Category: P2)

      Category: P2

    • Sunset Veranda (Category: SV)

      Category: SV

    • Prime Veranda (Category: V1)

      Category: V1

    • Prime Concierge Class (Category: C1)

      Category: C1

    • Concierge Class (Category: C2)

      Category: C2

    • Concierge Class (partial view) (Category: C3)

      Category: C3

    • Prime AquaClass (Category: A1)

      Category: A1

    • AquaClass (Category: A2)

      Category: A2

    • Guarantee - Concierge Class (Category: XC)

      Category: XC
      This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

    • Guarantee - Aqua Class (Category: XA)

      Category: XA
      This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

    • Guarantee - Balcony (Category: X)

      Category: X
      This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

    • Magic Carpet Sky Suite (Category: MS)

      Category: MS

    • Sunset Sky Suite (Category: SS)

      Category: SS

    • Sky Suite (Category: S1)

      Category: S1

    • Celebrity Suite (Category: CS)

      Category: CS

    • Penthouse Suite (Category: PS)

      Category: PS

    • Royal Suite (Category: RS)

      Category: RS

    • Iconic Suite (Category: IC)

      Category: IC

    • Edge Villa (Category: EV)

      Category: EV

    • Guarantee - Suite (Category: W)

      Category: W
      This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

    Deck Plan

    Cruise Ship
    Deck 17
    Key to Symbols
    SymbolDescription
    Inside stateroom door locationInside stateroom door location
    Wheelchair-accessible stateroom featuring roll-in showerWheelchair-accessible stateroom featuring roll-in shower
    Connecting stateroomsConnecting staterooms
    Stateroom for occupancy 5 and upStateroom for occupancy 5 and up
    Quad occupancy - double sofaQuad occupancy - double sofa
    Triple occupancy - single sofaTriple occupancy - single sofa
    Partially obstructed viewPartially obstructed view

    Ship Facts

    Celebrity Xcel ship image
    • Ship Name: Celebrity Xcel
    • Year Built: 2023
    • Year Entered Present Fleet: 2025
    • Ship Class: Edge
    • Tonnage (GRT): 141,420
    • Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 3,248
    • Country of Registry: Malta
    • Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International
    Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the hotel, resort or cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the provider without notice. Hotels, resorts, ships or accommodations designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

    Available Dates & Prices

    Departure Date

    Inside Stateroom

    Ocean View Stateroom

    Balcony Stateroom

    Suite Stateroom

    Terms & Conditions

    *Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.

    †One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.

    Ship's registry: Malta

      See Full Terms & Conditions- Opens a dialog
      Package ID: CELXCEEUR20260627