Celebrity Cruises Announces 2026 Presidential Cruise!

Celebrity Cruises announced the 2026 Presidential Cruise, an exclusive eight-night Mediterranean voyage from September 13-21, 2026, aboard a new ship Celebrity Xcel. 



Celebrity Xcel — the fifth innovative ship in the Edge fleet, scheduled to debut in November 2025, Celebrity Xcel features a unique multi-level space called The Bazaar, which changes along with the cruise itinerary. The perfect choice for those looking for more than just a vacation, Celebrity Xcel is an inspiring, surprising and world-opening ship.

Find out more and book your cruise from 4GATES today!

>>>Read more about Celebrity Xcel:


Led by President Laura Hodges Betge, this special flight is designed to provide Captain's Club loyalty program members with an unforgettable holiday experience.



The 2026 cruise promises a combination of luxury, personalized service, and cultural enrichment, continuing the tradition of honoring the company's most loyal guests.

“Our annual Presidential Cruise is my favorite sailing of the year because it's all about celebrating and connecting with Captain's Club members,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of the company. “The entire Celebrity team enjoys hearing our guests' stories and experiences, and the feedback we receive onboard plays a key role in shaping future experiences for our travelers.”

This annual cruise brings together the most loyal Captain's Club members with Laura Hodges Bethge and the executive team for a unique combination of premium relaxation and exclusive behind-the-scenes access.


Consultation on any issues



Itinerary highlights:
- Route: Athens to Barcelona;
- Cruise ports: Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini, Ephesus (Turkey) and Malta;
- On board:
- Exclusive events with the executive team;
- Access to the ship's behind-the-scenes life;
- Cultural immersion during shore excursions.

President Laura Hodges Betge noted that this annual cruise is her favorite because it is dedicated to interacting with regular customers and collecting their feedback, which helps improve the service on board.

How it was before:



Highlights of last year's Norwegian Fjords cruise included:
• Accommodation in London and a gala evening at the Natural History Museum;
• A cozy fireside chat and culinary event with Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud;



• Surprise performance from West End star Shoshana Bean;
• Unforgettable excursions including kayaking and visits to private gardens.



The 2026 cruise will continue this tradition, combining luxury, deep cultural insight and a special atmosphere for the company's most loyal guests.

How to join
To join the 2026 Presidential Cruise, you must be a Captain's Club member. Registration is free and available after your first cruise with Celebrity Cruises.

For more information on the Captain's Club program and booking options, please contact our cruise experts.

You can also book cruises on our website: