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NCL Haven Cruisers Try Celebrity Xcel... Did We Make a Mistake Skipping The Retreat?

Lux Travel for Families
Lux Travel for Families
πŸ₯‰Knowledgeable
πŸ‘οΈ 6K viewsπŸ“… 2 weeks ago⏱️ 16:43
What This Creator Said
Creator RecommendsCruise VlogπŸ₯‰Knowledgeable Creator
πŸ‘Ά Best for Family (Young Kids)Mediterranean Β· 8 nightsFrom AthensVeteran Cruiser

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

Creator's Key Takeaways

So far, our first Celebrity cruise experience was off to a great start, and we were having a great time, even though we weren't in their version of the Haven, the Retreat.

We did really love the cruise. Coming out of it on the other side, we for sure did not love the Infinite Verandas.

We had an amazing cruise, but we think Cagney's is a better steakhouse, but maybe it's just this one experience.

It was the smoothest embarkation process we've ever had. Um we just showed up with the boarding passes on our phone.

Creator's Tips & Advice

βœ“If you want to use the fitness center, be flexible with your timing as it can get crowded during peak times.
βœ“Check the app for bartender show times to ensure you don't miss them.
βœ“Ask the concierge about specialty dining discounts on the first night of the cruise.

πŸ†•New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Availability of kid-friendly food on a premium line β€” Don't fear it; they had great kids food at the buffet.
Taking kids on a big adventure/cruise β€” It is normal to be nervous, but use travel agents and prepare for common travel hiccups.

Questions This Creator Answers

QCan Celebrity Cruises compete with NCL's Haven?
QWhat are Celebrity's famous Infinite Verandah cabins really like?
QDoes Celebrity have kid-friendly food options?
QHow is the embarkation process in Athens?

Topics Covered

Embarkation4Β½ Happy BaconDining Buffet4 Happy BaconDining Specialty1 Happy BaconDining Bars Drinks4Β½ Happy BaconEntertainment Nightlife4 Happy BaconKids Family3Β½ Happy BaconSpa Fitness3Β½ Happy BaconCabin Balcony1Β½ Sad Bacon

Port Highlights

Athens4 Happy Bacon
Barcelona
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
Happy Bacon β€” creators loved this aspect
Sad Bacon β€” creators took issue with this
Meh β€” no strong opinion either way

Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = β€œmeh”, 5 = β€œbacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.

About our Bacon Score methodology
YouTube Video Description↓

We finally did itβ€”our first-ever Celebrity Cruises sailing! 🚒✨ As longtime Norwegian Cruise Line Haven cruisers, we decided it was time to see what all the hype was about aboard the brand-new Celebrity Xcel on a breathtaking Greek Isles cruise. In this video, we're sharing our honest first impressions as we answer the questions we know so many luxury cruisers are asking: Can Celebrity Cruises compete with NCL's Haven? What are Celebrity's famous Infinite Verandah cabins really like? How do connecting staterooms work for families? Is Celebrity Xcel a good choice for travelers with kids? Did we regret not booking The Retreat? We'll take you along as we explore the ship, settle into our cabins, and begin our unforgettable journey through the Greek Isles. If you're trying to decide between Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, especially if you're used to sailing in The Haven, this series is for you. Whether you're planning your first Celebrity cruise, considering Celebrity Xcel, or wondering if The Retreat is worth the upgrade, we'll be sharing all the details throughout this trip. 🌍 Ready to plan your own luxury cruise or Greek Isles vacation? Visit us at: https://luxrallytravel.com/the-team/rebekah-guillow πŸ“§ Contact us: Rebekah.BenGuillow@LuxRallyTravel.com πŸ‘ If you enjoy honest cruise reviews, luxury family travel, ship tours, and destination guides, be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications so you don't miss the rest of our Celebrity Xcel series! #CelebrityXcel #CelebrityCruises #GreekIslesCruise #CelebrityRetreat #InfiniteVerandah #NCLHaven #CruiseReview #LuxuryCruise #FamilyCruise #GreekIslands #CruiseComparison #TravelVlog