GET ON BOARD

The latest trend in cruises: bringing the food and culture of ports onto the ships

-  FRAN GOLDEN

WHEN CELEBRITY CRUISES launches its 3,248-passenger Celebrity Xcel this November, brand loyalists will notice something new: The Bazaar, a sea-day concept that will take over a mammoth dedicated space across three decks with food, entertainment, and retail inspired by the previous port of call. It’s a place where guests will be able to find vendors that sell sombreros the day after a visit to Cozumel or rum tastings after they’ve left Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, followed by bachata dancers at night. “It essentially extends guests’ time in each port,” says Jeannette Coto Dou, Celebrity’s vice president of product development.