Captain Kirk Takes Command: Celebrity Xcel Set for November Debut!

Fort Lauderdale, USA - Excitement is bubbling over in Fort Lauderdale as Celebrity Cruises prepares to debut its highly anticipated Celebrity Xcel, set to sail for the first time in November 2025. The captain of this new vessel, Kyriakos Matragkas, famously known as “Captain Kirk,” brings a fresh and dynamic presence to the deck, succeeding the beloved Captain Kate McCue, who garnered a large following thanks to her engaging social media presence and her feline companion, Bug Naked. CruiseTricks reports that Matragkas is not only an experienced mariner, with a career at Celebrity Cruises since 2000, but he also showcases his talents as a musician, often performing with his electric guitar or on the drums.

Hailing from Piräus, Greece, Matragkas honed his maritime skills at the Merchant Marine Academy on the picturesque island of Hydra. Rising through the ranks since his early days as a crew member on the Celebrity Millennium, he has served as captain on several ships, including the Celebrity Reflection and, most recently, the Celebrity Beyond. With innovative features and a capacity to accommodate 3,260 passengers, the Celebrity Xcel promises to be a game-changer in the Celebrity lineup, being the fifth ship of the Edge Class family.

A Journey to New Adventures

The Celebrity Xcel will launch its inaugural cruise with Captain Kirk at the helm on November 18, 2025, with voyages operating year-round from Port Everglades to the Bahamas and Caribbean. As Matragkas embarks on this exciting chapter, it’s clear he carries the legacy of his predecessor while also forging his unique path in the maritime world. The ship is currently under construction at the renowned Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.

For those unfamiliar with Matragkas, the nickname “Captain Kirk” is an evocative nod to the iconic Star Trek character, James T. Kirk, born on March 22, 2233, in Riverside, Iowa. While details about Matragkas‘ age remain elusive, his impressive career trajectory speaks volumes about his commitment and expertise in handling these magnificent vessels.

Enhancing the Cruise Experience

The recent President’s Cruise aboard the Celebrity Beyond underscores the level of engagement Celebrity Cruises has with its guests. The event, which ran from June 23-29, featured a round-trip from Fort Lauderdale and included stops at popular destinations such as Perfect Day at CocoCay, Grand Cayman, and Bimini. Guests enjoyed thrilling activities such as a Pickleball Tournament, mesmerizing performances by Guinness World Record-holding acrobats, and a live cooking competition led by Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge, who actively engaged with passengers through various events.Celebrity Cruises also organized a memorable beach takeover party on Bimini, where Laura showcased her DJ skills with a retro 70s music selection—definitely a night to remember!

The allure of the Edge Class ships continues to captivate cruising enthusiasts. An author from Cruise Blog shared their fondness for these ships, particularly reminiscing about their unique ambiance, luxurious design, and superior dining options. The Celebrity Beyond stands out with its expansive venues and amenities, adding a layer of comfort and convenience for every guest. The artistic touch of Captain Kate McCue also infused the ship’s experience with a distinct warmth that many have come to cherish.

As Celebrity Cruises prepares for Captain Matragkas to take the helm of the Celebrity Xcel, it’s evident that we’re on the brink of another exciting chapter in the world of cruising. From innovative ship designs to engaging onboard experiences, the future looks bright for both passengers and crew alike. With Captain Kirk leading the way, there’s certainly something to be said for these upcoming adventures at sea!