Cayman Islands Vendor & Talent Opportunity Celebrity Xcel “The Bazaar”

Why participate?

• Global exposure: Engage directly with thousands of international guests.
• Cultural impact: Share authentic Caymanian craft, goods, stories, and music.
• Business development: Build visibility, expand market reach, and develop lasting relationships.

Key Dates

• Call opens: Monday 20 October 2025
• Deadline to apply: Sunday 2 November 2025 (11:59pm Cayman Islands time)
• Review and vetting: Week of 3 November 2025 (CIDOT & Celebrity)
• Selections confirmed: By Friday 7 November 2025
• Orientation, training, and onboarding: Week of Monday 10 November 2025
• Season: 28 November 2025 – 17 April 2026 (11 calls total; bi-weekly participation)

Who should apply?

• Vendors (artisans, makers, visual artists, cultural craft producers) offering authentically Caymanian goods or small-scale cultural experiences suitable for onboard retail/display.
• Musicians/performers offering culturally resonant live sets appropriate for public spaces onboard.

Participation at a Glance

• Roster per call: 3 confirmed vendors and 3 standby; 1 confirmed musician and 1 standby (rotating over the season).
• Rotation: Participants by portion of the season (to be scheduled).
• Visitor status: All participants are treated as day visitors (onboard access for the day).
• Embark/disembark: Embark ~1 hour after ship arrival; disembark 1 hour before departure.
• Breaks: ~15 minutes every 3 hours (rotated); access to onboard café for refreshments.
• Compensation: Vendor participation is on a retail opportunity basis, with all sales revenue retained by the vendor. Musicians will be contracted and compensated directly by CIDOT based on approved rates and budget parameters.
• Restrictions: No food or consumable items permitted onboard for sale. See the full restricted list below.

Sales, Payments, and Pricing

• Your payment system:Vendors must bring their own payment collection system (Point-of-Sale machines or mobile). 
  • CIDOT is exploring limited POS device support for participants who do not have one (availability not guaranteed)
• Wi-Fi: Celebrity will provide access for POS or mobile payment collection systems.
• Currency: Price items in USD to simplify transactions.

Compliance, Training, and Onboarding

• Celebrity orientation: Selected participants must attend virtual orientation session taking place the week of Monday 10 November 2025 (procedures, logistics, guest engagement).
• CIDOT training: Selected participants must attend the PRIDE training programme for this initiative taking place in the week of Monday 10 November 2025.
• Brand standards: Displays and performances must meet Celebrity’s safety and guest-experience standards.

Selection Criteria

All proposals will be evaluated jointly by CIDOT and Celebrity Cruises based on the following key criteria. While the weightings may vary slightly between vendors and musicians, the core principles remain the same.

Notes:

• Cultural authenticity and guest engagement are weighted most heavily, reflecting the priority of showcasing Cayman’s heritage and connecting visitors with meaningful cultural experiences.
• Proposals must demonstrate the ability to deliver consistently across the season, maintain high-quality standards, and align with Celebrity’s guest experience expectations.

What to prepare before you apply

Vendors (goods/experiences)

• 3–5 photos of your products/work (clear, in focus; JPG/PNG recommended).
• Product/experience details: name, description (≤200 words), cultural significance, materials/techniques.
• Quantities per call you can supply (bi-weekly), and price range in USD.
• Display concept:brief description (≤200 words); sketch/mock-up image.
  • Note: Market at the Bazaar offers 3 areas with different table sizes that can be used by local vendors to display their products. The available tables vary in shape and dimension to accommodate different types of merchandise and display styles.
    • Extended tables: 64” (162.6 cm) wide × 19.5” (49.5 cm) deep
    • Round tables: 37” (94 cm) or 51” (129.5 cm)
• Sales readiness: your payment method(s); note if you need support sourcing a POS device.
• Bio: 150-word background and connection to Caymanian culture.

Musicians/performers

• Sample media: link to audio/video (e.g., YouTube, SoundCloud).
• Performance details: style/genre, instruments, typical set length.
• Bio: 150-word background and connection to Caymanian culture.
• Rotation availability: confirm bi-weekly November to April
• Tech: equipment you bring and any basic needs (subject to space/power constraints).

Display and Storytelling Guidance (to strengthen your application)

Display (vendors)

• Aim for a compact, modular setup that can be safely assembled quickly.
• Use authentic Caymanian elements (weaving, natural textures, historic motifs).
• Keep it organised with clear signage and USD pricing visible.
• Add a micro-demo or tactile element (where safe) to draw guests in.

Storytelling (vendors and musicians)

• Prepare a 1–2 minute story: who you are, what you make/play, and why it is uniquely Caymanian.
• Connect products or songs to heritage, place, or tradition.
• Use simple, memorable language; invite questions and interaction.

How selection works

1. Screening by CIDOT for completeness and basic eligibility.
2. Evaluation (CIDOT and Celebrity) using the criteria above.
3. Roster and rotation finalised (confirmed and standby).
4. Notification by Friday 7 November and onboarding/orientation scheduling.

Important: Meeting minimum standards does not guarantee selection; places are limited and scheduled across the season.

Accessibility and Inclusion

CIDOT welcomes applications from a diverse range of Caymanian creators and talent. If you have accessibility needs or questions about participation, please contact us so we can discuss reasonable accommodations within shipboard constraints.

Questions?

Email: portsofentry@caymanislands.ky 

Phone: +1 345 949 0623

(Please include “Celebrity Xcel – The Bazaar Inquiry” in the subject line.)

Ready to apply?

Choose the form that fits your participation type.

• Apply as a Vendor (goods/experiences)
• Apply as a Musician/Performer

You will need ~10–15 minutes and your photos/links ready. You can save and return before submitting.

Helpful notes

• Selection and scheduling are at the discretion of CIDOT and Celebrity.
• Participation is subject to shipboard policies, successful visitor access approval, and adherence to prohibited items guidelines.
• Final details (including musician performance hours) will be confirmed during onboarding.

RESTRICTIONS & PROHIBITED ITEMS

Vendors and musicians are required to adhere to all Celebrity Cruises safety and compliance standards, including the Prohibited Items List (summarised below):

• For safety and compliance, the following are not allowed onboard: 
  • Flammable items: candles, incense, hot plates, fuels, paints, solvents, aerosols (except personal care) 
  • Sharp or dangerous tools: knives (over 4"), scissors (over 4"), power tools, saws, drills, hammers, etc. 
  • Hazardous materials: chemicals, bleach, spray paint, compressed gas, or batteries 
  • Food and drink: no homemade, cooked, or raw food; only sealed, packaged snacks allowed 
  • Alcohol: no alcohol for sale, tasting, or display 
  • Electrical items: no extension cords, transformers, or high-draw equipment 
  • Biological items: no untreated plant, seed, or animal materials 
• Tip: 
  • All items must be safe, non-flammable, and non-toxic. Live demos must not use heat, flames, or hazardous tools.