It’s not that I have studiously avoided going on a cruise , but it has never been at the top of my holiday wish list. Increasingly, though, I’ve wondered if I’m missing out.  

According to the Cruise Lines International Association (Clia), 2.4 million UK and Ireland residents took to the open seas last year, a five per cent increase on the previous record of 2.3 million in 2023.  

It was clearly time for me to pack my deck shoes, source a colourful “cruise” shirt and head for the port. My decision to dip a toe into international waters coincided with the launch of a new ship (never call them boats – my first cruise faux pas).  

Celebrity Xcel is the fifth in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge series of vessels, ships for passengers who appreciate design, innovation and a premium feel. Xcel co

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