Italy and the French Riviera with Celebrity Xcel

This seven night Mediterranean cruise follows a classic route along the Italian coast and the French Riviera, sailing round trip from Barcelona. The itinerary combines elegant coastal towns, major cultural cities and one full day at sea, giving a good balance between time ashore and time on board.

Italy and the French Riviera with Celebrity Xcel

Celebrity Xcel

Celebrity Xcel brings bold, modern design to the Mediterranean, with panoramic deck spaces, bright social areas and venues shaped around sea views. The Grand Plaza forms the heart of the ship, while the Magic Carpet and Rooftop Garden offer elevated open air spots to relax above the water.

 The Bazaar, a new multi-space concept unique to the ship, blends dining, retail and entertainment in one atmospheric setting. Included dining spans several restaurants, alongside Oceanview Café for global dishes and Mast Grill for casual meals on deck. Evenings bring shows in The Theatre, live music throughout the ship and quieter moments at the Sunset Bar as the coastline fades into dusk.

Bazaar Bar
Bazaar Bar
Magic Capet from outside
Magic Capet from outside
Magic Carpet Lounge
Magic Carpet Lounge
Oceanview Cafe
Oceanview Cafe

Cruise Highlights

Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche-sur-Mer

Villefranche for Nice

Tender ashore at Villefranche, one of the prettiest anchorages on the French Riviera. From here, it is easy to reach Nice for promenades and markets, or head further along the coast towards Monaco and the surrounding hill towns.

Portofino

Arrive by tender into Portofino’s small harbour, where colourful buildings line the waterfront. Time here is best spent walking the village, stopping for lunch by the marina or heading up to viewpoints above the port.

Harbor of Portofino,
Harbor of Portofino,
Manarola, Cinque Terre
Manarola, Cinque Terre

La Spezia

Dock in La Spezia, the gateway to Cinque Terre and Pisa. This stop gives you the option to explore the coastal villages by train or visit historic cities inland, depending on how active you want the day to be.

Civitavecchia for Rome

Docking at Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome, you’ll have the chance to explore the Eternal City in all its glory. From the Colosseum to the Vatican, and from elegant piazzas to the Trevi Fountain, Rome offers a blend of grandeur, culture, and unforgettable cuisine.

Trevi Fountain - Rome
Trevi Fountain - Rome
Spanish Steps
Spanish Steps
piazza navona
piazza navona
Neapolitan Pizza
Neapolitan Pizza

Naples

Naples brims with character, history, and flavour. Explore Pompeii’s ruins, climb Mount Vesuvius, or journey along the Amalfi Coast to discover cliffside villages and turquoise waters. Back in the city, enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizza in its birthplace.

Included in this Itinerary
Return flights from Dublin to Barcelona with Aer Lingus, return seat in coach transfers between Barcelona Airport and port, 7 night full board cruise on Celebrity Xcel in an Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda, gratuities included and USD 250 onboard credit. Based on 2 passengers sharing. Cruise departs Barcelona on 29 August 2026. Price is correct at the time of posting (10 February 2026). Offers are subject to change.

Price from €3,190 per person

South America Holiday Guide: The Best Places and Ways to Travel

12 August 2026

A South America holiday can mean exploring Machu Picchu, watching giant tortoises in the Galápagos, walking beneath the peaks of Patagonia or combining Rio de Janeiro with Iguaçu Falls. The right trip depends on the experiences you want to come home talking about, whether that is Inca history in Peru, wildlife in the Galápagos Islands, glaciers and time outdoors in Patagonia, or the cities and natural landscapes of Brazil.

Why Legend of the Seas Is One of the Best Cruises for Multi-Generational Family Holidays

15 July 2026

If you're wondering whether Legend of the Seas is a good cruise for families, the answer is yes. Royal Caribbean has designed its newest Icon Class ship around the way families holiday today, giving grandparents, parents, teenagers and younger children plenty to enjoy without everyone needing to do the same thing. From waterparks and kids' clubs to live entertainment, family dining and Caribbean ports, Legend of the Seas is one of the strongest choices for a multi-generational family cruise.

National Geographic Signature Expeditions - G Adventures

04 June 2026

There is a version of travel where you visit the great places, take the photographs and move on. And there is version that opens up the richness of the world National Geographic Signature with G Adventures exists firmly in the second category. It is a collection of global expeditions built around the idea that the world reveals itself properly only to those who approach it with curiosity, the right guides and genuine access. For travellers who have already seen a lot and want something more, it represents a significant step forward in what a guided trip can be.

Villas 1 Awali Background Colour Banana Island 3 (2)

Finding your match...

Every unforgettable journey starts with the right person by your side.