£1899pp—Summer Med cruise on new award-winning ship

Cross the Mediterranean Sea from west to east on Celebrity Xcel. This 5-star vessel was launched last year, and quickly won the Best New Ship title at Cruise Critic's Best Cruise Lines and Ships 2025 Award. Onboard meals, drinks, and Wi-Fi are included. We found savings of £21–£592 on putting the trip together yourself.

The package price is £1892 per person. You'll pay an extra £7.40€ (approximately £6.42) per person in tourist taxes at the hotel in Barcelona, making the total £1888.42. Gratuities aboard Celebrity Xcel are charged from US$18 per person, per day (approximately £94 per person, for this week-long cruise), but are discretionary and can be removed by visiting Guest Services onboard before the cruise ends.

What's included

• Return flights to Barcelona and from Athens, with up to 23kg checked bag
• An overnight at the 4-star Hotel Hesperia Presidente Barcelona
• A 7-night cruise on Celebrity Xcel, in an Inside Stateroom
• All-inclusive board during the cruise, covering meals, drinks, and Wi-Fi

When
Fly from London Gatwick or Luton on 10 July or 7 August, 2026.

Depart from London Heathrow from £1949 per person; Edinburgh from £1999 per person; Birmingham or Manchester from £2049 per person. 

For more information or to book online, see our partner's website.

Itinerary
Fly to Barcelona for a pre-cruise overnight at a deluxe hotel surrounded by shops and restaurants in the city centre. Then, embark on a week-long premium cruise, calling at:

• Valletta, Malta… walk the honeycomb streets of this charming capital. The walled city was founded in the 16th century by Knights of St. John, and it is packed with sights.
• Santorini, Greece… stand in awe on the deck as your ship approaches land, manoeuvring at the feet of dramatic volcanic cliffs dotted with white villages—you'll easily see why The Daily Telegraph calls the island "one of the spectacles of the Med"
• Kuşadası, Turkey… join an optional excursion from this buzzing port and holiday resort to the impressive ruins of Ephesus. It's widely considered to be one of the best-preserved places in the Mediterranean region to get a feel what life was like in ancient times.
• Mykonos, Greece… visit the chic boutiques and cafes in the main town of this sun-drenched Cycladic gem. Or, hop on a rental moped to explore the beautiful sandy shores and hedonistic beach clubs dotted around the island.

Your summer voyage will conclude in Athens, and you'll fly back to the UK from there.

Ship details
Celebrity Xcel took its maiden voyage in November, 2025, as the latest addition to the cruise line's 5-star fleet. It is an Edge-class vessel that elevates the onboard experience of its sister ships. The Bazaar is a multi-level, multi-sensory space designed to bring guests closer to destinations: it bustles with activity all day, often with festivals bringing ports visited alive.

A smart casual buffet restaurant, plus an international, an Italian, a French, and a Greek restaurant are all included. This holiday at sea also covers a drinks package, usable at most bars and lounges, covering a wide range of cocktails, wines, beers, and spirits.

The Pool Club is a fun place to hang out, and sunscreen is available to use, so no need to worry if you forgot to bring your own. The serene spa has extensive facilities, and it has a Bubbles Bar for a complimentary glass of Prosecco for those who book a treatment. There are big production shows at The Theatre in the evenings, and live performances entertain guests at The Attic.

Other options

• Sail in a Concierge Class Stateroom from £2449 per person
• Sail in an Aqua Class Stateroom from £2699 per person

Transfers and luggage
You can add transfers throughout from £90 per person. Checked baggage included, with a 20–23kg allowance depending on airline.