Sail the Italian and French Riviera in style

Sailing on the brand-new Celebrity Xcel is all about swapping the usual rush for a holiday that feels fresh, sociable, and full of energy while moving between Europe’s most storied coasts. This seven-night itinerary from Barcelona stitches together the effortless glamour of the French Riviera with the heavyweight history of Italy, stopping in Nice, Portofino, and the gateways to Florence, Rome, and Naples. It’s a voyage designed for those who appreciate that how you arrive is just as important as where you are going.

Whilst onboard Celebrity Xcel, take part in wine tastings in The Grand Plaza, unwind at the expansive spa, and enjoy performances ranging from live music to theatre. Bars like the World Class Bar and the Martini Bar keep the evenings lively, while the Magic Carpet - a cantilevered platform gliding up and down the side of the ship - offers changing perspectives as you sip cocktails or dine al fresco.
In Portofino, take the path up to Castello Brown. It offers a clear view over the harbour’s superyachts without the crush of the midday crowds. Since the ship tenders here until 7pm, you have the luxury of time. You can enjoy a quiet Aperol Spritz as the evening settles over the village, seeing a beautiful side of the Italian Riviera.
Unlike the industrial ports often used by larger vessels, anchoring off Villefranche-sur-Mer allows you to step straight into the heart of the Côte d'Azur. It feels lived-in and genuine, with ochre buildings piled up against the hillside. It’s a short train ride to Nice or Monaco but staying local means wandering medieval streets where residents still hang laundry from shuttered windows and chat across narrow alleyways.
Food is central to this itinerary, both on land and at sea. On board, Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud is a culinary highlight. It’s intimate and ambitious, serving dishes that reflect the regions you are sailing through. It feels less like a cruise ship dining room and more like a high-end restaurant you would fight to get a reservation for.

What’s included:

7 nights aboard Celebrity Xcel
Magic Carpet Sky Suite; full board basis
Flights from London Gatwick on 22/08/2026

Terms and Conditions

Subject to availability. Please give me a call for further details. Price based on 2 adults sharing. Prices correct at time of posting. Offers are subject to change. I can advise on travel insurance at the time of booking.

7 nights from £3,329 per person based on 2 sharing

The Small Print

These offers are brought to you by Travel Counsellors Ltd and all are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Where we have created the package ourselves, the holiday offer will be covered under our own ATOL. Our ATOL number is 6751. Where the offer has been sourced through another tour operator, it will be protected under that tour operator's ATOL. Full details on the individual ATOL protection that applies to each holiday offer will be given at time of booking. Prices and information contained in this page are correct at the time of distribution, are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or amended at any time without notice to you. Prices shown may be subject to departure tax, ticket on departure or a passenger APC charge. Please ask your Travel Counsellor at the time of booking.

The Small Print

Find your personal Travel Counsellor