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Boarding the BRAND NEW Celebrity Xcel! Embarkation Day Vlog | Luxury Cruise Adventures 2026 (Day 1)

Rays on the Road
Rays on the Road
โœจCasual
๐Ÿ‘๏ธ 9K views๐Ÿ“… 5 months agoโฑ๏ธ 1:41:39
What This Creator Said
Creator RecommendsCruise VlogโœจCasual Creator
โค๏ธ Best for CoupleCaribbean ยท FallFrom Fort LauderdaleVeteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

This is the first brand new ship we've been on.

We're not paid by Celebrity. We're not travel agents.

The pizza and pasta closes in 30 minutes, so we better hurry and eat what we want.

We got so much to talk about. It's beautiful.

Creator's Tips & Advice

โœ“Go to the ATM a day or two before to get tip money.
โœ“Keep your boarding pass handy.
โœ“Make a reservation for dining to avoid wait times during peak hours.

๐Ÿ†•New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Navigating the port and terminal โ€” Follow the signs and staff directions; the Celebrity terminal is efficient.
Dining reservations โ€” Make reservations to avoid wait times during peak hours.

Questions This Creator Answers

QWhat is the embarkation experience like on the Celebrity Xcel?
QWhat are the first impressions of the new ship?
QWhat dining options are available on day one?

Topics Covered

Embarkation3 Happy BaconService Crew3 Happy BaconLoyalty Program1 Happy BaconShip Condition3ยฝ Happy BaconCabin Interior3 Happy BaconDining Buffet2ยฝ Happy BaconEntertainment Shows2ยฝ Happy BaconCrowd Capacity1ยฝ Happy Bacon

Port Highlights

Fort Lauderdale1 Happy Bacon
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
Happy Bacon โ€” creators loved this aspect
Sad Bacon โ€” creators took issue with this
Meh โ€” no strong opinion either way

Scale: 0โ€“5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = โ€œmehโ€, 5 = โ€œbacon blissโ€. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.

About our Bacon Score methodology
YouTube Video Descriptionโ†“

๐Ÿšข Embark on the ultimate luxury cruise with Rays on the Road! Join Matt & Staci for Day 1 aboard the stunning Celebrity Xcel โ€“ from seamless check-in at Port Everglades to first impressions, cabin reveals, delicious onboard dining, and the epic sail away party. Get insider tips, hidden gems, and everything you need to know for your 2026 cruise vacation. Is this the best new ship at sea? Watch now and find out! ๐ŸŒŠโœจ Whether you're a cruise newbie or seasoned sailor, this embarkation day guide has pro tips to make your boarding stress-free. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more cruise vlogs! Timestamps: 0:00 Intro & Arrival at Port Everglades 1:45 Check-In Process & Security Tips 3:20 Boarding the Celebrity Xcel โ€“ First Impressions 5:10 Stateroom Tour (Our Luxe Cabin Reveal!) 7:30 Exploring the Ship's Amenities & Hidden Spots 10:15 Lunch at The Bazaar โ€“ Must-Try Eats 12:40 Pool Deck Vibes & Relaxation Areas 14:50 Sail Away Party & Cocktails 16:30 Evening Dining Preview & Nighttime Fun 18:15 Final Thoughts & Whatโ€™s Next on Day 2 Full Cruise Cabin Review/Tour: https://youtu.be/6eabRyX-1Ig Full Casino Tour Video: https://youtu.be/8ryzxiXiStQ Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCauhHwp-vxnMy26iA2ck3Fg/join Physical Mail: Matt & Staci P.O. Box 9262 Louisville, KY 40209 Facebook: https://facebook.com/raysontheroad โ€‹ X (Formerly Known as Twitter): https://x.com/raysontheroad1 #CelebrityXcel #EmbarkationDay #CruiseVlog #LuxuryCruise #Travel2026 #CruiseTips #NewCruiseShip