Luxury Fort Lauderdale & 9-Day Celebrity Xcel Cruise

The journey begins in style with an overnight stay at Sofitel London Heathrow, directly connected to terminal five for an effortless start. There’s something deeply satisfying about beginning a long-haul trip without the early-morning airport rush—check in, drop your bags, and let yourself unwind. Enjoy a treatment at the spa or a quiet dinner in the hotel’s artfully lit restaurant. It’s the perfect opportunity to reset before the adventure ahead, ensuring you’re rested and ready for tomorrow’s transatlantic flight.

Depart London Heathrow on British Airways First Class, a seamless and comfortable way to cross the Atlantic. After landing in Miami, you’ll transfer north to Pier Sixty-Six Resort, recently reopened after a remarkable multi-billion-dollar transformation. Once a classic Fort Lauderdale landmark, the resort has been entirely reimagined into a contemporary marina destination—complete with water-view suites, pools lined with cabanas, and sophisticated dining overlooking the Intracoastal. Spend the afternoon by the pool or take a gentle stroll along the marina to watch the yachts glide by. End the day with a cocktail at golden hour before turning in for an early night.

After breakfast, make the short transfer to Four Seasons Hotel & Residences Fort Lauderdale—a property that captures the city’s new wave of coastal glamour. With its soft neutral palette, airy design, and effortless service, this is a space made for slow mornings and salt-tanged breezes. Spend the day however you wish: lounging by the oceanfront pools, indulging in a spa treatment, or exploring nearby Las Olas Boulevard, known for its boutiques and lively cafés. As evening falls, Fort Lauderdale transforms into a glittering waterfront scene—enjoy dinner at one of the hotel’s signature restaurants or dine al-fresco by the beach, where the sound of the Atlantic completes the moment.

Today marks a milestone moment—boarding the brand-new Celebrity Xcel, the latest evolution of Celebrity Cruises’ acclaimed Edge Series. Embarkation at Port Everglades is smooth and energizing, with the buzz of anticipation in the air as guests step aboard for this exclusive preview voyage. Once onboard, take time to explore the ship’s spectacular public spaces: from the open-air Rooftop Garden and sculptural Grand Plaza to your private stateroom, thoughtfully designed for modern comfort. As the sun sets over the Florida coast, raise a glass on deck and watch Fort Lauderdale fade into the distance—the beginning of an exciting four-night Caribbean journey at sea.

Your first full day onboard is a chance to truly experience what makes Celebrity Xcel so distinctive. Begin with breakfast overlooking the horizon before claiming a lounger on The Retreat Sundeck—a serene haven reserved for suite guests. The ship’s design is as much about discovery as relaxation, so explore its many layers: The Spa, the infinity pools, and hidden corners for reading or reflection. As evening arrives, dine at Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, where the tasting menus and service are every bit as refined as any land-based fine dining experience. End the night at The Sunset Bar, a favorite gathering place with ocean views and a cosmopolitan energy.

Wake to the sight of turquoise waters as the ship docks in Cozumel, a beloved island known for its diving spots and warm, easy charm. Spend the day as actively—or leisurely—as you like. You might snorkel among coral reefs, shop for handmade crafts in town, or retreat to a quiet beach club with a cold margarita and live music playing in the background. There’s a relaxed authenticity to Cozumel that makes it a perfect Caribbean stop. Return to the ship in time for sail-away, when the last light fades across the sea and the deck glows softly under the evening sky.

After the vibrant energy of Cozumel, a final sea day feels blissfully calm. Sleep in, enjoy a slow breakfast at Café al Bacio, and perhaps spend the morning exploring areas of the ship you haven’t yet discovered. This is the time to savour The Spa’s thermal suite, browse the onboard boutiques, or linger over lunch at the open-air Oceanview Café. Throughout the day, the ocean stretches endlessly in every direction — a reminder of the luxury of time and space that only cruising can offer. In the evening, toast to the journey with a final dinner at sea, celebrating the ship’s modern artistry and the ease of travel itself.

As dawn breaks, Celebrity Xcel returns to Fort Lauderdale, and it’s time to disembark. The transition from sea to shore feels almost seamless after a week of effortless travel. Transfer back to Miami International Airport, but if time allows, enjoy a final coffee overlooking the water — a gentle farewell to South Florida before your British Airways flight home. Settle into your seat with that familiar feeling of having experienced something new, and something unforgettable.

Arrive back at Heathrow in the morning, refreshed from the journey and already planning the next adventure. There’s a satisfying rhythm to a trip like this—city, sea, sunshine—and it’s one that reminds you why travel is about both discovery and restoration.