Travel Itinerary – Fort Lauderdale & Celebrity Xcel Preview Cruise
Introduction
Welcome to my travel itinerary for Fort Lauderdale and the Caribbean, a journey designed around something completely new — my first time sailing with Celebrity Cruises aboard their brand-new ship, Celebrity Xcel. This November 2025 trip combines the best of South Florida’s luxury hotels with an exclusive preview voyage of the year’s most anticipated ship launch.
The itinerary features British Airways First Class flights, stays at both Pier Sixty-Six Resort and the Four Seasons Hotel & Residences Fort Lauderdale, and a seamless connection to Port Everglades — all curated and bookable with exclusive perks through The Private Traveller | Fora Travel.
What makes a trip really special for me?
As I’ve written about before, I love all aspects of travel and particularly enjoy the planning and research stage, as well as the actual booking, which is why I’m so well suited to being a travel advisor. New locations and new experiences interest me, as well as revisiting favourite countries and hotels; and a big part for me of any trip is also having that relaxation time and a focus on wellness.
This trip is to two countries, the USA and Mexico, both regular spots for us, although I’ve never actually stayed in either Fort Lauderdale nor visited the Mexican island of Cozumel, albeit I have been to that adjacent mainland area. Flights are with the very familiar airline British Airways via London Heathrow to Miami, with an overnight stop at a very regular and favourite airport hotel, the Sofitel London Heathrow Hotel, directly connected to Terminal 5. This makes for a quick stop after the domestic flight from Edinburgh, a good overnight stay, without having too early a start for the onward flight the following morning.
I’m staying in two different hotels in Fort Lauderdale before the cruise, and I’m so excited to be trying a brand new ship (not even officially launched, as this is a preview cruise) and with my new focus on luxury cruising, the option to be trying out a brand new cruise line, Celebrity. Whenever I stay at a hotel with a spa, I always try and make sure I book some spa or wellness treatments, and this trip is no different. I’ve already booked the Zenova Spa at Pier Sixty-Six, as well as The Spa at Four Seasons and I’m going to wait until I’m onboard Xcel to make sure I book spa treatments on this brand new ship, with an increased focus on wellness experiences.
On my return, as sad as it is, I’m also looking forward to experiencing the new British Airways Lounge at Miami International Airport.
Featured Stays
Pier Sixty-Six Resort – A landmark reborn, newly reopened after a multi-billion-dollar transformation. Perfectly positioned near Port Everglades for pre-cruise stays.
Four Seasons Hotel & Residences Fort Lauderdale – Oceanfront sophistication blending contemporary design with world-class service and spa indulgence.
Celebrity Xcel – The latest addition to the Edge Series fleet, offering next-generation design, elevated dining, and the excitement of a maiden sailing.
In This Itinerary, Discover
✈️ The best British Airways First Class flights from London to Miami, including access to the Concorde Room at Heathrow and the new BA Lounge at Miami International on the return.
🏝️ My favourite hotels in Fort Lauderdale — both bookable with VIP perks through Fora Travel and Virtuoso.
🚢 A first look at Celebrity Xcel, with the full four-night Caribbean preview cruise itinerary from Fort Lauderdale to Cozumel.
💎 How to unlock added value when you book with The Private Traveller | Fora Travel, from breakfast and credits to upgrades and onboard benefits.
Flight Recommendations
Start in style with a seamless journey in First Class
For this itinerary, I’ll be flying British Airways First Class from London Heathrow (LHR) to Miami International Airport (MIA) — the most direct and comfortable way to reach Fort Lauderdale before joining the Celebrity Xcel preview cruise. [All BA pictures here credit of BA Media - thank you].
At Heathrow, passengers can enjoy access to the Concorde Room in Terminal 5, offering à la carte dining, private cabanas, and champagne service before departure.
On the return journey, I’m looking forward to experiencing the new British Airways Lounge at Miami International Airport, recently refreshed with a contemporary design, expanded dining areas, and improved quiet zones — the perfect way to unwind before the overnight flight back to London.
Transfer tip:
From Miami, it’s an easy 35–45 minute private transfer to Fort Lauderdale, with seamless access to both Pier Sixty-Six Resort and Port Everglades for embarkation.
Luxury Accommodation Highlights
Where to Stay in Fort Lauderdale
Pier Sixty-Six
Situated just minutes from the cruise docks at Port Everglades and perfectly positioned for guests arriving or departing aboard Celebrity Xcel, Pier Sixty-Six Resort offers exceptional convenience for cruise travellers while delivering full-resort luxury. The property reopened on 10 January 2025 following a comprehensive multi-billion-dollar transformation of the former landmark (originally opened in 1965 as the iconic “Pier 66” tower and marina complex).
VIP Booking Benefits at Pier Sixty-Six Resort, Fort Lauderdale
Guests booking Pier Sixty-Six Resort through The Private Traveller enjoy exclusive privileges under the Fora Reserve or Virtuoso programmes. These elite partnerships ensure a truly elevated stay with bespoke service and added value from check-in to departure.
Exclusive Perks Include:
Daily breakfast for two guests, served in the restaurant
$100 USD resort credit per stay (or $200 USD credit for Harbour Villa Suites)
Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability
Room upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Welcome amenity curated by the resort team
Booking through The Private Traveller unlocks the same VIP recognition and benefits as offered by top-tier travel consortia — ensuring the best available rate, personalised touches, and exclusive inclusions only available through Fora Travel and Virtuoso partners.
Fast Facts - Pier Sixty-Six Resort & Residences
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Hotel | Pier Sixty-Six Resort |
| Address | 2301 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316, United States |
| Nearest Cruise Terminal | Port Everglades – approx. 5 mins by car |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) – approx. 10 mins by car |
| Rooms & Suites | 325 guest rooms and suites across the iconic tower and marina buildings, many with waterfront views |
| Dining & Bar Options | Signature rooftop restaurant, poolside bar, marina grill, and in-room dining (multiple outlets reopening 2025) |
| Spa & Wellness | Full-service spa and fitness centre, with outdoor pools and cabanas overlooking the marina |
| @piersixtysixresort | |
| Website | piersixtysix.com |
| TripAdvisor Ranking | Newly reopened – ranking to be confirmed post-launch (as of November 2025) |
| Visiting | November 2025 |
Zenova Spa & Wellness
At the heart of the resort’s stunning renaissance lies the brand-new Zenova Spa & Wellness — a sanctuary of calm unveiled as part of Pier Sixty-Six’s US$1 billion transformation. Guests can indulge in nine bespoke treatment rooms, a pioneering co-ed hydrotherapy space and even a snow-room experience, all set within this iconic Fort Lauderdale landmark’s revitalised waterfront estate.
A Few Favourite Spots & Experiences Near Pier Sixty-Six Resort
Local Highlights & Nearby Attractions
Las Olas Boulevard – Stroll along Fort Lauderdale’s chic shopping and dining street lined with boutiques, galleries, and waterfront cafés.
Port Everglades Cruise Terminal – Just minutes from the resort, this major departure point includes Celebrity Cruises’ flagship ship, Celebrity Ascent (Excel Class), making Pier Sixty-Six the perfect pre- or post-cruise stay.
Fort Lauderdale Beach – Enjoy soft golden sands, turquoise waters, and a lively promenade perfect for sunrise walks or afternoon cocktails.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens – Explore this historic oceanfront estate showcasing art, architecture, and tropical gardens.
Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale – Wander along the scenic New River, lined with parks, restaurants, and cultural landmarks.
Galleria Mall – A short drive away, this upscale mall offers designer stores and popular dining spots like Seasons 52 and The Capital Grille.
Four Seasons Hotel & Residences Fort Lauderdale
With this being my first time in Fort Lauderdale, but not to Florida, I took the chance to visit not one but two hotels that would be close to my Celebrity Xcel departure point. I do love to try out new properties, but for me a Four Seasons is always a highlight of any stay, and this seemed the perfect opportunity to experience another of their collection.
Set along the city’s glamorous oceanfront boulevard, Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale blends contemporary coastal style with signature Four Seasons service. Opened in early 2022, the hotel quickly established itself as one of South Florida’s most luxurious addresses — combining ocean-view rooms, elegant pool terraces, and a world-class spa within walking distance of the beach and Las Olas Boulevard. Ideal for travellers before or after a cruise from nearby Port Everglades, it offers a serene yet sophisticated seaside retreat.
VIP Booking Benefits at Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale
Guests booking through The Private Traveller enjoy exclusive privileges via the Four Seasons Preferred Partnerprogramme — the highest level of recognition offered by Four Seasons to its top travel advisors. These benefits are only available when reserving through an approved advisor such as The Private Traveller | Fora Travel.
Exclusive Perks Include:
Daily breakfast for two guests, served in the restaurant or through in-room dining
$100 USD hotel credit per stay for rooms, or $200 USD credit for suites and private retreats
Room upgrade to the next category, subject to availability on arrival
Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability
Personalised welcome note or amenity from hotel management
Booking through The Private Traveller | Fora Travel guarantees access to Four Seasons Preferred Partner rates and amenities — ensuring guests receive the best available rate, exclusive VIP status, and the highest level of recognition at check-in.
Fast Facts - Four Seasons Hotel & Residences Fort Lauderdale
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Hotel | Four Seasons Hotel & Residences Fort Lauderdale |
| Address | 525 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304, United States |
| Nearest Cruise Terminal | Port Everglades – approx. 10 mins by car |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) – approx. 15 mins by car |
| Rooms & Suites | 189 guest rooms, suites, and private residences with ocean or Intracoastal views |
| Dining & Bar Options | Evelyn’s Fort Lauderdale (Mediterranean-inspired cuisine), Honey Fitz café, and poolside dining with ocean views |
| Spa & Wellness | The Spa at Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale with ocean-view treatment rooms, aromatherapy rituals, and a full-service salon |
| @fsfortlauderdale | |
| Website | fourseasons.com/fortlauderdale |
| TripAdvisor Ranking | #3 of 135 hotels in Fort Lauderdale (as of November 2025) |
| Visiting | November 2025 |
Looking Ahead: My First Time Aboard the Brand-New Celebrity Xcel
When planning my November 2025 itinerary, I wanted to try something completely new — a different cruise line, a fresh design, and the excitement of stepping aboard a ship on her very first voyage. That’s what led me to the preview sailing of Celebrity Xcel, the newest addition to Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series and one of the most anticipated luxury cruise launches of the year.
The itinerary itself — a four-night round-trip from Fort Lauderdale to Cozumel — immediately appealed as a chance to experience the ship before her full Caribbean season begins. It’s rare to be part of a “pre-inaugural” sailing, where every detail feels new, from the scent of fresh interiors to the first impressions of each restaurant and stateroom category.
Fast Facts - Celebrity Xcel
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Ship | Celebrity Xcel |
| Cruise Line | Celebrity Cruises |
| Class | Edge Series (launched 2025) |
| Embarkation Port | Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida |
| Itinerary | 4-night Caribbean Preview Cruise: Fort Lauderdale – At Sea – Cozumel – At Sea – Fort Lauderdale |
| Guest Capacity | Approx. 3,260 passengers |
| Dining & Bars | Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, Fine Cut Steakhouse, Eden, Cosmopolitan Restaurant, Sunset Bar, and more |
| Spa & Wellness | The Spa on Celebrity Xcel featuring a SEA Thermal Suite, fitness centre, and new holistic wellness experiences |
| Highlights | Next-generation Edge design by Kelly Hoppen CBE & Tom Wright, expanded Resort Deck, The Retreat Sundeck, and Infinite Veranda staterooms |
| @celebritycruises | |
| Website | celebritycruises.com/xcel-preview |
| Voyage | November 2025 – Preview Sailing |
Did You Know You Can Also Book Cruises with The Private Traveller?
Through The Private Traveller and Fora Travel, you can enjoy all the advantages of booking your next Celebrity Cruise — including brand-new ships like Celebrity Xcel — with exclusive VIP benefits available only through Virtuoso Voyages and our preferred cruise partnerships.
Typical perks include:
• Additional onboard credit to spend at the spa, speciality dining venues, or on curated shore excursions
• Private Virtuoso-hosted experiences on select departures
• Thoughtful welcome amenities and personalised recognition from the onboard team
• Access to exclusive Virtuoso Voyages sailings with extra inclusions at no added cost
• Priority access to new itineraries and inaugural voyages
Whether it’s the excitement of a maiden sailing like Celebrity Xcel or a grand world cruise with another luxury line, booking through The Private Traveller | Fora Travel ensures you’ll receive the best available rate, enhanced onboard credits, and the VIP treatment every step of the way.
Full Travel Itinerary: November 2025 – Fort Lauderdale & Celebrity Xcel Preview Cruise
Day 1 – London
Fly to London and overnight at the Sofitel London Heathrow, conveniently connected to Terminal 5 for an easy start to the journey.Day 2 – London ✈ Miami ✈ Fort Lauderdale
Fly First Class with British Airways from London Heathrow to Miami International Airport. On arrival, transfer to Pier Sixty-Six Resort, newly reopened after its multi-billion-dollar transformation, for a one-night stay ahead of the cruise.Day 3 – Fort Lauderdale
Transfer to Four Seasons Hotel & Residences Fort Lauderdale for a relaxing pre-cruise stay. Enjoy the oceanfront pools, spa and restaurants, with time to explore nearby Las Olas Boulevard or unwind by the beach.Day 4 – Embarkation: Celebrity Xcel
Board the brand-new Celebrity Xcel at Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, for the exclusive preview sailing — a four-night Caribbean voyage aboard Celebrity Cruises’ newest Edge-Series ship.Day 5 – At Sea
A full day at sea to explore the ship’s elegant new spaces, from the Resort Deck and The Retreat Sundeck to fine-dining experiences like Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud.Day 6 – Cozumel, Mexico
Arrive in Cozumel for a day ashore — enjoy snorkelling, boutique shopping or simply relax at one of the island’s beach clubs before sailing in the evening.Day 7 – At Sea
Another leisurely day to enjoy the ship’s spa, pool terraces, and modern design details that make Celebrity Xcel a standout among new ships.Day 8 – Fort Lauderdale ✈ Miami ✈ London
Disembark in Fort Lauderdale and transfer back to Miami International Airport for your British Airways flight home, connecting via London Heathrow.Day 9 – London
Arrive back at London Heathrow in the morning, marking the end of the journey — rested, refreshed, and already planning the next adventure.
Why Book with The Private Traveller & Fora Travel
When you book through The Private Traveller in partnership with Fora Travel, you gain access to the world’s leading luxury hotel and cruise programmes — including Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Virtuoso, Marriott STARS & Luminous, Hyatt Privé, and Fora Reserve.
These elite partnerships mean you’ll always enjoy VIP recognition and exclusive extras at the same best-available rates. Typical benefits include:
Daily breakfast for two
$100 USD resort, hotel or onboard credit (varies by property or cruise)
Room or suite upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Early check-in and late check-out, whenever possible
Welcome amenity and personalised notes from the property
Whether it’s a five-star hotel stay, a private wellness retreat, or a maiden voyage aboard a new ship, I’ll design a bespoke itinerary with every detail curated and perfectly timed — so you can travel effortlessly, in true luxury.
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Planning something similar or looking for help creating your own bespoke itinerary? Drop me a message or comment— I’d love to hear your ideas and help bring your next journey to life.
