2027 Mediterranean Cruise
RMR Goes To The Mediterranean
August 21 – August 28, 2027 – Celebrity Cruises
Registration & What’s Included
At Rustic Mama Retreats we strive to be affordable and accessible to everyone. We don’t want anyone to miss out on the fun! We’ve worked hard to get you the lowest price possible and include an excursion, transfers, luggage, activities and workshops so there are no surprises down the road!
7 night Mediterranean Cruise – starting at $4010 (includes tax & fees) per person
$1250 deposit reserves your spot
Then the remaining balance due April 1st 2027 – payment plans available
Here’s the breakdown and what’s Included:
* 7 nights on-board the Celebrity Xcel in your chosen stateroom (prices vary depending on stateroom choice – See CABIN section)
* All on-board meals from the Main Dining Room, the Oceanview Cafe, the Spa Cafe and the Mast Grill.
* Classic Drinks package (which covers a selection of beers, spirits, cocktails, liqueurs, frozen drinks, wines, sodas, specialty coffees, juices and bottled water)
* Basic Wi-fi, allowing you to browse the web, send emails and use messaging services
* All ship provided entertainment and activities. Enjoy Broadway style shows in the theatre, live music performances, comedy acts, and movies. Participate in various onboard activities such as art auctions, dance classes and enrichment lectures. Ship also features a casino, card room and arcade.
* $150 credit towards the choice of 1 RMR Group Excursion OR apply it as an on-Board Credit (few options available – more info to come)
* Exclusive on-board RMR Workshops and Activities (more info below)
* All Port Taxes
What is NOT included:
* Roundtrip airfare from Toronto’s Pearson Airport – Group Travel and Discount will be arranged in October 2026. (This is an excellent opportunity to use those reward miles!)
* Transfers to and from Airports in Athens & Barcelona to the ship (although group transfers will be arranged)
* On board Gratuities
* Any additional shore excursions you wish to go on
* Any spa services or specialty dining experiences
* Any additional pre or post hotel stays in Athens or Barcelona
The Ship
The Celebrity Xcel is Celebrity Cruises’ newest Edge-class ship, offering contemporary luxury, innovative design, and exceptional service at sea. Launching in 2025, the ship accommodates approximately 3,260 guests and features modern staterooms (many with Infinite Verandas), upscale dining, vibrant entertainment, and beautifully designed public spaces. Signature highlights include the resort-style pool deck, adults-only Solarium, luxury spa and thermal suite, destination-inspired venues like The Bazaar, and a wide variety of restaurants and lounges. Designed to feel like a boutique hotel on the water, the Xcel delivers a refined yet relaxed cruising experience.
The Cabins
P2 – Deluxe Porthole View Stateroom with Veranda $4500
Blending distinctive design with outdoor living, the P2 Deluxe Porthole View Stateroom with Veranda offers a unique take on traditional balcony accommodations. A signature feature is the oversized circular porthole-style window that brings in abundant natural light while adding a modern nautical touch. Step outside onto your private veranda to enjoy open-air sea views, morning coffee, or sunset cocktails in your own secluded outdoor space. Inside, guests will find a spacious layout, refined finishes, plush bedding, and thoughtful storage designed for effortless comfort. Ideal for couples seeking something a little different from the standard balcony experience, this category delivers both style and fresh-air freedom with an eye-catching architectural twist.
O1 – Prime Oceanview $4400
Designed for travelers who appreciate extra space and elevated comfort, Category 01 Oceanview staterooms offer a more spacious layout than other oceanview categories and in a more prime ship location. Featuring a large picture window that frames sweeping sea views, these rooms are thoughtfully designed with modern furnishings, ample storage, and a sitting area that enhances relaxation. The additional square footage allows for a more open feel, making it ideal for couples or guests who value a little extra room to unwind. A perfect balance of comfort and value, with upgraded space as the key distinction.
Key Difference: Larger layout and more generous living space compared to Category 02.
O2 – Oceanview $4260
Bright, welcoming, and beautifully appointed, Category 02 Oceanview staterooms provide all the essentials for a comfortable cruise experience. A large picture window fills the room with natural light and offers uninterrupted ocean views, while smart design maximizes every inch of space. With modern finishes, plush bedding, and thoughtful storage solutions, this category is an excellent choice for guests seeking stylish accommodations at an approachable value.
Key Difference: Slightly smaller footprint than Category 01, offering the same oceanview experience in a more compact layout.
D1 – Deluxe Inside Staterooms $4010
Smart, stylish, and thoughtfully designed, the D1 Inside Stateroom offers a cozy retreat that maximizes comfort without the need for a view. Perfect for guests who plan to spend their days exploring the ship and enjoying every onboard experience, this category provides a quiet, restful space to recharge. Featuring modern décor, plush bedding, a well-appointed bathroom, and cleverly integrated storage, the layout is designed to feel open and inviting despite its interior location.
An excellent value option, D1 Inside Staterooms deliver all the signature Celebrity comfort and elegance — in a more compact footprint — making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize experience over square footage.
Food & Drink
The Celebrity Xcel offers a diverse and elevated dining experience, with everything from refined fine dining to relaxed casual options—designed to suit every taste and moment of the day.
At the center of the experience are the ship’s four Main Dining Rooms, each with its own design and rotating globally inspired menus, offering a different atmosphere nightly with consistent, high-end service.
Specialty restaurants include Fine Cut Steakhouse for premium cuts, Raw on 5 for fresh seafood, Eden Restaurant for an immersive chef-driven experience, Le Petit Chef for animated tabletop dining, and the Rooftop Garden Grill for open-air, interactive meals with ocean views.
Casual dining is just as impressive, with the Oceanview Café buffet, poolside favorites at the Mast Grill, specialty coffees at Café al Bacio, and craft drinks and comfort food at Craft Social Bar. New to Xcel, The Bazaar adds a destination-inspired marketplace with rotating food stations.
With exceptional service and beautifully designed venues, dining aboard the Celebrity Xcel is a true highlight of the journey.
Cruise Itinerary & Ports of Call
The 7-Night Mediterranean Cruise aboard the Celebrity Xcel offers an immersive exploration of Greece, Italy & Turkey’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. Departing from Athens on August 21, 2027, this voyage includes visits to several captivating ports, providing a comprehensive Mediterranean experience.
Day 1 — Athens (Piraeus), Greece
Your Mediterranean adventure begins in historic Athens, where you’ll board the Celebrity Xcel and set sail at 5:00 pm. Take time to explore the iconic Greek capital before departure — think ancient ruins, vibrant plazas, and local cafés.
Day 2 — Santorini, Greece
Wake up in picturesque Santorini, one of Greece’s most famous islands. You’ll have a full day to explore white-washed villages perched above the Aegean, sip wine with caldera views, stroll in charming towns like Oia or Fira, and enjoy stunning sunsets.
Day 3 — Mykonos, Greece
Arrive in Mykonos, a lively Cyclades island known for beautiful beaches, stylish seaside cafés, and narrow winding streets. Spend the day discovering its iconic windmills, boutique shops, hidden coves, and seaside villages.
Day 4 — Ephesus (Kuşadası), Turkey
Today you dock in Kuşadası, your gateway to ancient Ephesus — one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean. Explore Roman streets, the Library of Celsus, and the Great Theatre, then immerse yourself in local Turkish culture and cuisine.
Day 5 — At Sea
A day to relax and enjoy life on board Celebrity Xcel! Lounge by the pool, soak in the spa, try specialty dining, catch a show, or simply take in the Mediterranean views as you cruise toward Italy.
Day 6 — Messina, Sicily (Italy)
Welcome to Messina, a Sicilian port with stunning coastal views and rich history. From here you can explore medieval cathedrals, sip local wine, or take excursions to nearby Taormina or Mount Etna.
Day 7 — At Sea
Another peaceful day at sea to unwind, recharge, and enjoy the many amenities on board — from specialty dining and lounges to poolside relaxation and wellness activities.
Day 8 — Barcelona, Spain
Your journey ends in vibrant Barcelona at 5:00 am. Disembark ready to explore this cultural capital — from Gaudí architecture to tapas bars and beaches — or extend your Mediterranean adventure!
Group Excursions
There will be a few group excursions offered during the cruise. Your package includes the choice of one. More info to come soon.
Santorini, Greece
Wine Tasting Experience – Visit local wineries to sample Santorini’s unique volcanic wines and learn about the island’s winemaking history.
Volcano Cruise & Hot Springs – Take a boat around the iconic caldera, hike to volcanic viewpoints, and swim in the warm hot springs near Nea Kameni.
Mykonos, Greece
Delos & History Tour – Take a short boat ride to the nearby island of Delos to visit the ancient ruins and learn about its mythological heritage.
Scenic Island & Beach Excursions – Discover Mykonos’s iconic windmills and picturesque alleys, then relax on beautiful beaches like Elia
Ephesus (Kuşadası), Turkey
Ephesus Ancient City Tour – A top choice — walk the remarkably preserved ruins of Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, and Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders).
Messina, Sicily (Italy)
Taormina & Mount Etna Tour – Visit Taormina’s hilltop town with dramatic coastal views, and combine with a scenic trip to Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, often paired with wine tastings.
Sicilian Flavours & Cultural Excursions – Enjoy local food tours in Messina, including gelato, cannoli, and Sicilian wine.
Stay tuned for more options!
Workshops & Activities
While your vacation is certainly yours to do with what you want, we have added in some fun programs, workshops and parties exclusively available to RMR guests for you to join at anytime to make the most of your week away!
Every morning, when not at a port, we will offer activities to start your day! Maybe you want to try a hot new fitness trend, take part in a mindful meditation or race through the ship on our scavenger hunt.
Each afternoon, when not at port, around 3pm we will have optional activities like you can attend if you want to connect with some fellow RMR cruisers. Take part in our card or trivia competitions, learn Origami, make a traditional crafts or try cocktail tastings!
The fun doesn’t stop there! Evenings on board are filled with entertainment and dancing! After dinner each night we will either be checking out the giant stage shows often featuring Magicians, Acrobats, or renditions of Broadway Musicals or jumping into the themed dance parties or karaoke nights hosted by the ship!