Celebrity Cruises is expanding its Caribbean offerings in a big way, with a brand-new ship, more short cruises, and exciting new itineraries departing from Florida and Puerto Rico.
Celebrity Cruises has officially opened bookings for Celebrity Xcite, the sixth ship in its popular Edge Series, which will debut in 2028.
The announcement comes as the cruise line unveils its expanded 2028–2029 Caribbean season, featuring 10 ships, more Edge Series options, and a wider variety of itineraries ranging from three-night weekend getaways to longer Southern Caribbean voyages.
For cruisers planning ahead, there are several noteworthy changes, including the introduction of the first three-night Edge Series cruises, more Panama Canal itineraries, and new opportunities to explore the Southern Caribbean during the summer months.
Celebrity Xcite to Debut in 2028 With Seven-Night Caribbean Cruises
The biggest announcement is the upcoming arrival of Celebrity Xcite, the sixth ship in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series.
The new ship will begin sailing in 2028, offering seven-night Caribbean itineraries round-trip from Miami.
Its inaugural season will feature rotating itineraries visiting several popular Eastern Caribbean destinations, including St. Thomas, Antigua, the British Virgin Islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Maarten, and the Dominican Republic.
These itineraries will give passengers opportunities to visit some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches, explore historic towns, and experience attractions such as The Baths at Virgin Gorda.
Although additional details about Celebrity Xcite’s onboard features have yet to be revealed, the ship will join a class known for its modern design, upscale dining, and innovative outdoor spaces.
Celebrity Beyond Will Offer the First Three-Night Edge Series Cruises
One of the most interesting changes for Celebrity cruisers is the introduction of short weekend sailings aboard Celebrity Beyond.
For the first time, Celebrity Cruises will offer three-night itineraries aboard an Edge Series ship.
Between November 2028 and March 2029, Celebrity Beyond will operate nine three-night weekend cruises from Fort Lauderdale to The Bahamas.
This is a significant development for travelers who want to experience one of Celebrity’s newer ships without committing to a full week at sea.
Passengers will also be able to enjoy new venues arriving aboard Celebrity Beyond in November 2026, including Orange Peel Bar & Grille, Tacos del Sol, and Bora.
Celebrity is expanding its shorter cruise options on other ships as well. Celebrity Eclipse will offer weekend getaways from Fort Lauderdale, while Celebrity Summit will operate four- and five-night cruises from Miami.
Select itineraries will also offer visits to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau.
More Panama Canal and Longer Caribbean Cruises
Celebrity Cruises is also adding more longer itineraries for travelers who prefer extra time exploring ports of call.
Celebrity Beyond will sail eight- to 11-night cruises from Fort Lauderdale, visiting destinations including St. Kitts and Nevis, Martinique, Barbados, Saint Lucia, and Antigua.
The ship will also offer six Panama Canal itineraries, giving guests opportunities to experience the famous waterway and its impressive lock system.
Meanwhile, Celebrity Ascent will offer nine- to 12-night itineraries featuring ports such as Grand Cayman, Aruba, Curaçao, Saint Lucia, Martinique, St. Maarten, Barbados, Antigua, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Celebrity Eclipse will also offer 11-night Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale.
Celebrity Xcel to Offer More Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao Cruises
Travelers interested in visiting the Southern Caribbean will have additional options aboard Celebrity Xcel.
The ship will offer six- and eight-night cruises from Fort Lauderdale, including itineraries to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, commonly referred to as the ABC Islands.
Western Caribbean options will also include Mexico, Honduras, and Grand Cayman.
Onboard, guests can experience The Bazaar, a destination-inspired space designed to reflect the cultures, flavors, and traditions of the places the ship visits.
Celebrity Silhouette Expands Southern Caribbean Cruises
Another notable announcement is Celebrity Cruises’ first full summer season featuring Southern Caribbean destinations aboard Celebrity Silhouette.
The ship will operate eight- to 12-night summer sailings visiting destinations such as Barbados, Martinique, Saint Lucia, and Grenada.
This is particularly interesting for travelers who want more options to explore the Southern Caribbean outside the traditional winter cruise season.
Beginning in October 2028, Celebrity Silhouette will also offer seven-night cruises departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
These itineraries will feature five port days on every sailing, with destinations including St. Thomas, Antigua, Martinique, Saint Lucia, and Barbados.
For cruisers who prefer port-intensive itineraries with fewer sea days, these sailings could be especially appealing.
Celebrity Reflection to Sail the Caribbean Year-Round After Major Renovation
Celebrity Reflection will continue offering year-round Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, with itineraries ranging from six to eight nights.
However, the ship will have a very different look by the time the 2028–2029 season arrives.
Celebrity has announced a major transformation scheduled for March 2027, which will introduce 13 new spaces and experiences.
The enhancements will include Edge Series-inspired features such as the Grand Plaza, as well as venues introduced aboard the renewed Celebrity Solstice.
Additional upgrades will include outdoor spaces, new dining experiences, and entertainment venues.
These changes will give guests another option to experience updated Celebrity Cruises amenities without necessarily sailing on one of the newest Edge Series ships.
Celebrity Apex Returns to Port Canaveral
Celebrity Apex will return to Port Canaveral, offering Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries for travelers sailing from Central Florida.
Eastern Caribbean itineraries will feature ports such as the British Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, and St. Maarten.
Western Caribbean itineraries will include Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Key West.
Meanwhile, Celebrity Constellation will offer seven-night sailings from Tampa, visiting Key West, The Bahamas, and the Western Caribbean.
With departures from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and Tampa, Celebrity will give Florida-based cruisers several choices for their next Caribbean vacation.
When Can You Book Celebrity’s 2028–2029 Caribbean Cruises?
Celebrity Cruises has announced two booking release dates for its upcoming Caribbean itineraries.
- November 3, 2026: Winter 2028–2029 Caribbean cruises, including Celebrity Xcite’s debut season.
- December 9, 2026: Summer 2028 Caribbean cruises.
Bookings for the winter 2028–2029 season are now open, while summer 2028 itineraries are scheduled to become available on December 9.
What This Means for Celebrity Cruisers
Celebrity Cruises’ latest announcement brings some interesting changes for both new and experienced cruisers.
The introduction of three-night Edge Series sailings is especially noteworthy. Until now, travelers interested in experiencing Celebrity’s newer generation of ships generally needed to book longer itineraries.
The expanded Southern Caribbean options are another welcome development, particularly for cruisers who enjoy visiting more islands and experiencing a variety of ports.
With the debut of Celebrity Xcite, an expanded Edge Series presence in the Caribbean, and major upgrades planned for existing ships, Celebrity is giving cruisers more flexibility in choosing their departure port, itinerary length, and onboard experience.
For travelers planning a Caribbean cruise in 2028 or 2029, there will be plenty of new options worth considering.
What do you think of Celebrity Cruises’ new Caribbean lineup? Are you most excited about sailing on the brand-new Celebrity Xcite, trying a shorter Edge Series cruise, or exploring more of the Southern Caribbean? Let us know in the comments below!
Happy cruising!
Ethan