Celebrity Xcel Visits Málaga with a Spectacular Open-Air Lift Above the Sea

Celebrity Xcel Makes Its First Call in Málaga

The Port of Málaga welcomed Celebrity Xcel, one of Celebrity Cruises’ newest ships, for the first time on Sunday 25 October 2026.

The vessel called at Málaga during a 16-night transatlantic voyage from Barcelona to Miami. It remained alongside the southern quay of the Levante cruise terminal for approximately twelve hours.

A traditional institutional reception was held to mark the ship’s inaugural visit to the city.

The Magic Carpet: A Movable Platform Above the Sea

Celebrity Xcel’s most recognisable feature is a large orange structure installed on the ship’s starboard side.

Known as the Magic Carpet, the platform works in a similar way to an external lift. It measures 33.5 metres long and 6.1 metres wide and can accommodate approximately 100 people.

With a surface approaching 186 square metres, it is roughly comparable in size to a tennis court. Its glass walls create the impression of an outdoor terrace suspended above the water.

A Different Space on Every Deck

The Magic Carpet changes its purpose according to its position on the ship.

On lower decks, it can operate as an embarkation area for tender boats when the cruise ship is anchored away from the quay.

Higher up, it becomes a bar, open-air restaurant, viewing terrace or stage for live entertainment. Passengers can enjoy uninterrupted sea views through its glass walls.

A 306-Metre Cruise Ship

Celebrity Xcel is 306 metres long and can accommodate as many as 3,950 passengers at maximum capacity.

Its outward-facing design includes an inverted bow, large windows and open spaces intended to strengthen the connection between passengers and the sea.

The ship contains restaurants, bars, swimming pools, entertainment venues, spa facilities and Infinite Veranda cabins, where a movable window allows the balcony to become part of the room.

The Fifth Edge Series Ship

Celebrity Xcel is the fifth operational vessel in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series, joining Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent.

Each of these ships features its own Magic Carpet. Following Celebrity Xcel’s inaugural call, Málaga has now received all five Edge Series vessels currently in service.

Sailing from the Mediterranean to Miami

The Málaga call formed part of a repositioning voyage taking Celebrity Xcel from its European season to the Caribbean.

These longer transatlantic itineraries allow cruise lines to move their ships between regions while offering passengers a voyage combining European ports, Atlantic crossings and American destinations.

More Unusual Cruise Ships Arrive in Málaga

Celebrity Xcel’s visit forms part of a busy autumn cruise season in Málaga.

The port expects 113 calls and approximately 165,000 passengers during October and November 2026, including several premium and luxury vessels.

Ships with distinctive features such as the Magic Carpet add another attraction to the port and strengthen Málaga’s position on Mediterranean and transatlantic cruise routes.