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 $3384 (includes tax & fees) per person
$725 deposit reserves your spot immediately – another $775 is due December 15th, 2026.
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.
* Choice of 1 RMR Group Excursion (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
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
AquaClass® Balcony Staterooms:
Designed for guests who value wellness, relaxation, and elevated comfort, AquaClass staterooms include exclusive access to the SEA Thermal Suite (heated loungers, steam rooms, and aromatic spa experiences) and dining at Blu, the ship’s private wellness-focused restaurant. These staterooms feature modern, spa-inspired design, Infinite Verandas or private balconies, premium bath products, plush robes, and priority services. Perfect for travelers who want a serene, rejuvenating cruise experience with thoughtful luxury touches throughout.
Concierge Class Balcony Staterooms:
These upgraded veranda staterooms offer extra comfort and special perks, including priority embarkation and debarkation, dedicated concierge service, a welcome bottle of sparkling wine, daily delivery of premium amenities, and exclusive onboard events. With stylish modern design and private outdoor space, Concierge Class is ideal for guests who want an elevated experience without moving into full suite accommodations.
Oceanview Balcony (Infinite Veranda) Staterooms:
A signature feature of Edge-class ships, these staterooms transform from a traditional room into an open-air balcony space at the touch of a button. Offering generous living space, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a seamless indoor-outdoor design, they provide fresh ocean air and stunning views while maintaining climate control and privacy. A popular choice for couples and first-time Celebrity cruisers seeking comfort, style, and value.
Inside Staterooms:
The most budget-friendly option, Inside staterooms offer a quiet, cozy retreat with modern design, comfortable bedding, and smart storage. While they don’t include a window or balcony, they’re ideal for travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring ports, enjoying ship amenities, and participating in excursions — and simply want a comfortable place to recharge.
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!