Celebrity Cruises has officially taken delivery of its newest vessel, the Celebrity Xcel, marking a significant expansion for the cruise line's Edge Series fleet. The ship's arrival was celebrated at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. This event also included the announcement of the next ship in the series, the Celebrity Xcite, with construction already underway.
Key Takeaways
- Celebrity Xcel has been delivered and will begin sailing in November.
- The next Edge Series ship, Celebrity Xcite, has started construction.
- Celebrity Xcel’s inaugural season will feature Caribbean itineraries.
- Guests were involved in the design process of the Celebrity Xcel.
- The Edge Series aims to redefine premium travel experiences at sea.
Celebrity Xcel Joins the Fleet
The Celebrity Xcel represents the fifth vessel in Celebrity Cruises' innovative Edge Series. Its delivery signifies a continued commitment to enhancing the premium travel experience. The ship is designed to offer guests elevated design and experiences, fostering a deeper connection to the destinations it visits.
Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty highlighted the importance of this new addition.
“Celebrity Xcel represents the next bold step in our journey to transform the way the world experiences premium travel,” he stated. “Each ship in the Edge Series has reimagined what’s possible at sea through elevated design and experiences that deepen the connection to the destinations being visited.”
Fast Fact
The Celebrity Xcel is the fifth ship in Celebrity Cruises' Edge Series, known for its innovative design and luxurious amenities.
Inaugural Voyages and Destinations
The Celebrity Xcel will embark on its inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, starting in November. Its initial itineraries will focus on the Caribbean, offering seven-night journeys. These voyages will alternate between popular destinations such as The Bahamas, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.
Looking ahead, the Celebrity Xcel is scheduled to sail its inaugural European season in the summer of 2026. This will include seven- to 11-night voyages departing from Barcelona and Athens. New overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal, are also part of these exciting European offerings.
Introducing the Celebrity Xcite
During the delivery celebration for the Celebrity Xcel, Celebrity Cruises also announced the name of its sixth Edge Series ship: the Celebrity Xcite. The official start of construction for the Celebrity Xcite was marked by a steel-cutting ceremony at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard. This new vessel is projected to set sail in 2028.
This early start to construction underscores the rapid expansion plans for the Edge Series. Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, spoke about the ongoing partnership.
“Our continued partnership with Royal Caribbean Group on the Celebrity Xcite reflects a shared commitment to excellence and innovation,” Castaing noted.
About the Edge Series
The Edge Series ships are renowned for their outward-facing design, which maximizes views and connections to the ocean. Key features include the Magic Carpet, a cantilevered platform that moves between decks, and Eden, a multi-sensory dining and entertainment venue.
Guest Involvement in Design
A unique aspect of the Celebrity Xcel's development was the involvement of future guests through the 'Xcel Dream Makers' program. Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, emphasized this collaborative approach.
“The Celebrity Xcel has been designed with our guest as our north star; we even involved them in the design process through the Xcel Dream Makers program, so we know she will be the happy place of vacationers globally,” Bethge said. “We’re thrilled to welcome guests aboard next month and are excited to further expand these offerings on Celebrity Xcite.”
This direct feedback mechanism ensures that the ship's amenities and experiences align closely with passenger expectations. It reflects a strategic effort to create a highly personalized and enjoyable cruising environment.
A Milestone Celebration
The delivery ceremony was a grand affair, attended by key executives from Royal Caribbean Group and Chantiers de l’Atlantique. Among those present were Jason Liberty, Laura Hodges Bethge, Laurent Castaing, and Captain Kyriakos Matragkas of the Celebrity Xcel. More than 1,600 Celebrity Xcel crew members also joined the celebration, highlighting the collective effort behind the ship's realization.
The event served as a testament to the strong collaboration between the cruise line and the shipyard. This partnership has consistently delivered ships that push the boundaries of cruise ship design and passenger experience. The unveiling of Celebrity Xcite's name during the steel-cutting ceremony further cemented this commitment to future innovation.
- Collaborative Design: The Xcel Dream Makers program allowed guests to contribute to the ship's design.
- Global Itineraries: The Celebrity Xcel will sail in the Caribbean and later in the Mediterranean.
- Fleet Expansion: With the Xcel delivered and Xcite underway, Celebrity Cruises continues its growth trajectory.
The introduction of Celebrity Xcel and the commencement of Celebrity Xcite’s construction signify a period of significant growth and innovation for Celebrity Cruises. These new ships are poised to offer travelers even more sophisticated and engaging ways to explore the world's oceans.
