Celebrity Cruises is set to enhance the travel experience by not just taking guests from port to port but also bringing the essence of destinations aboard.

Launching in November, the Celebrity Xcel will introduce The Bazaar—an expansive three-story venue where evolving programs reflect the local experiences of the destinations. Michael Scheiner, the cruise line’s chief marketing and product officer, expressed that the aim is to “blur the boundaries” between the ship and local adventures.

“You know, when you explore a destination, it’s hard to see everything there is to offer,” he shared with YSL News. “Our approach provides a unique opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the richness of our destinations.”

The Bazaar will host themed festivals, taking inspiration from Caribbean ports, featuring local cuisine, beverages, and live performances. On sea days, the Market at The Bazaar will showcase local artisans, allowing them to share their crafts and stories with the guests.

“Based on the festival’s theme, guests can broaden their tastes with activities such as rum and chocolate pairings, local hot sauce tastings, engage with the island culture through live demonstrations like basket weaving, and shop for unique souvenirs from vendors, including genuine Caribbean masks, traditional Mexican leather hats, and embroidery crafts,” the cruise line stated in a news release.

At the Mosaic dining venue, guests can experience open-kitchen regional dishes. The Chef’s Table will offer a curated tasting menu influenced by native cuisines crafted by Celebrity’s global culinary leadership team, while guests can participate in preparing “regional delicacies” at the Chef’s Studio within Mosaic cooking school.

There will also be a casual dining option called Spice, featuring panoramic windows for scenic views. Scheiner emphasized that the Bazaar aims to give guests an authentic experience, utilizing a blend of technology and engaging props.

He added that the cruise line is committed to hiring local talent from the ports they visit to enhance the entertainment value. “Anyone can listen to generic music from a location performed by anyone,” he explained. “We are dedicated to delivering a genuine local atmosphere.”

Some activities may incur extra charges, like dining at Mosaic and the Chef’s Table, whereas Spice will be covered in the cruise fare. More detailed pricing options are still being finalized.

Guests taking part in Celebrity’s newly launched Xcel “Dream Makers” program—which involves testing and providing feedback on upcoming features—will also contribute to decisions regarding aspects like the Mosaic menu and entertainment options.

“Whether you’re just looking to enjoy yourself or you want to dive deeper into the local culture—this experience caters to everyone,” said Scheiner.

This story was revised for clarity.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel journalist based in Nashville.