CRUISE GPS
The Edge of Discovery
The Edge of Discovery
Redefining the art of sailing, Celebrity Cruises unveils Celebrity Xcel and The Retreat.
Luxury at sea has always been a promise of Celebrity Cruises, but with the debut of Celebrity Xcel—the fifth ship in the acclaimed Edge Series—guests can expect a new benchmark for high-class travel. The Retreat is at the center of this evolution, an exclusive, all-suite enclave that transforms the sailing experience into a private, resort-within-a-resort escape.

From the moment guests step into The Retreat, they enter a sanctuary defined by detail and distinction. Every suite is a design standout, complete with expansive verandas, sophisticated interiors, and thoughtful touches curated for modern travelers. The experience extends far beyond the suite. The Retreat features its own private restaurant, Luminae at The Retreat, where globally inspired menus are paired with exceptional wine selections, as well as a serene lounge and a private sundeck. Personalized service from a team of butlers ensures every whim is anticipated and every moment is effortless.
“From the moment guests step into The Retreat, they enter a sanctuary defined by detail and distinction… Personalized service from a team of butlers ensures every whim is anticipated and every moment is effortless.”

Celebrity’s Edge Series ships—Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, and Celebrity Ascent—are wowing guests with bold architecture, transformative spaces, and world-class dining. And come November 2025, Celebrity Xcel will bring sea travel to a whole new level with an outward-facing design that brings the sea closer than ever, imaginative venues like the Magic Carpet, and expanded culinary and entertainment offerings that blur the line between ship and destination.
Plus, The Retreat aboard Celebrity Xcel is anticipated to be the pinnacle of modern indulgence. Here, intimate scale meets expansive possibility, with every detail—private transfers, priority embarkation—tailored to the sophisticated traveler who values ease and exclusivity.
Onboard Celebrity Xcel, guests are invited to fully indulge, knowing that every element of the journey has been thoughtfully designed and executed.
The world has never looked better.
CRUISE GPS
The Edge of Discovery
The Edge of Discovery
Redefining the art of sailing, Celebrity Cruises unveils Celebrity Xcel and The Retreat.
Luxury at sea has always been a promise of Celebrity Cruises, but with the debut of Celebrity Xcel—the fifth ship in the acclaimed Edge Series—guests can expect a new benchmark for high-class travel. The Retreat is at the center of this evolution, an exclusive, all-suite enclave that transforms the sailing experience into a private, resort-within-a-resort escape.

From the moment guests step into The Retreat, they enter a sanctuary defined by detail and distinction. Every suite is a design standout, complete with expansive verandas, sophisticated interiors, and thoughtful touches curated for modern travelers. The experience extends far beyond the suite. The Retreat features its own private restaurant, Luminae at The Retreat, where globally inspired menus are paired with exceptional wine selections, as well as a serene lounge and a private sundeck. Personalized service from a team of butlers ensures every whim is anticipated and every moment is effortless.
“From the moment guests step into The Retreat, they enter a sanctuary defined by detail and distinction… Personalized service from a team of butlers ensures every whim is anticipated and every moment is effortless.”

Celebrity’s Edge Series ships—Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, and Celebrity Ascent—are wowing guests with bold architecture, transformative spaces, and world-class dining. And come November 2025, Celebrity Xcel will bring sea travel to a whole new level with an outward-facing design that brings the sea closer than ever, imaginative venues like the Magic Carpet, and expanded culinary and entertainment offerings that blur the line between ship and destination.
Plus, The Retreat aboard Celebrity Xcel is anticipated to be the pinnacle of modern indulgence. Here, intimate scale meets expansive possibility, with every detail—private transfers, priority embarkation—tailored to the sophisticated traveler who values ease and exclusivity.
Onboard Celebrity Xcel, guests are invited to fully indulge, knowing that every element of the journey has been thoughtfully designed and executed.
The world has never looked better.
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Michael is a 35+ year hospitality veteran. He is the President & CEO of POTHOS, Inc. and its subsidiary businesses. He is both a planner & an agent in addition to administrative duties running the company. He is also a Service Disabled Veteran of the United States Navy. He has a Master's Degree in Organizational Psychology and a Bachelor's in Business Administration. He has achieved his CMM (Certified Meeting Manager) designation from Meeting Professionals International. He is well versed in International Business & Multiculturalism with first-hand experience in dozens of countries worldwide.
He has served as President of the Board of Director’s for the California Travel Consumer Restitution Council (affiliated with the California Attorney General Office), the Board of Director's for several Chapters of Meeting Professionals International, the California Disabled Veterans Business Alliance and is the Past-President of the San Diego Chapter of the Hotel Sales and Marketing Associatio ...