The construction of Celebrity Cruises' newest ship, Celebrity Xcel, has officially begun with a keel laying ceremony at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. This significant milestone marks the creation of the latest vessel in Celebrity's award-winning Edge Series, set to redefine premium cruising when it sets sail in autumn 2025.
A New Chapter in Premium Cruising
The keel laying ceremony celebrated the start of Celebrity Xcel's construction, a vessel designed to elevate the cruising experience to new heights. Attendees included Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, and Laurent Castaing, general manager of Chantiers de l'Atlantique. Together, they lowered the first 739-ton steel block for the ship into the dry dock, marking the beginning of a new era for Celebrity Cruises.
Witnessing the keel laying ceremony spearheaded by Celebrity Xcel
In keeping with maritime tradition, executives placed newly minted coins on the first piece of steel to bring good luck to the ship during construction and future sailings. The coins' design, featuring NASA's Saturn V rocket, symbolised the innovation and excellence that Celebrity Xcel will bring to the cruising world.
Advancing Sustainability and Innovation
Celebrity Xcel represents more than just a new ship; it signifies a leap forward in sustainability and innovation for Royal Caribbean Group. Jason Liberty remarked, "Today, we not only mark the start of construction, but we are laying the foundation on which countless memories will be created. Each new ship also represents an opportunity to advance our journey to net zero, and with Xcel, we are building our first methanol capable ship, which helps advance our transition to the energy platform of the future."
Celebrity Xcel will be the first ship in the fleet to feature a tri-fuel capable engine, providing unparalleled fuel flexibility with the ability to use three types of fuel, including methanol. This innovative engine design is a crucial step toward Royal Caribbean Group's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Unrivalled Guest Experiences
Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, expressed her excitement about the upcoming debut of Celebrity Xcel. "We can't wait to debut Celebrity Xcel and her unrivaled guest experiences, living up to her name in every way with surprises that confirm 'Nothing Comes Close' to a Celebrity vacation. We are grateful for the continued partnership of the Chantiers de l'Atlantique team for lending their craftsmanship to further elevate the innovative design and world-class features of our beloved Edge Series ships."
Celebrity Xcel promises to offer an exceptional level of luxury and innovation, building on the success of its sister ships in the Edge Series. With a focus on providing unique and sustainable experiences, the new ship will set a new standard for premium cruising.
A Collaborative Effort
The construction of Celebrity Xcel is the result of a close collaboration between Celebrity Cruises and Chantiers de l'Atlantique. Laurent Castaing, general manager of Chantiers de l'Atlantique, highlighted the strong partnership between the two teams. "The Edge Series is the result of close collaboration between the Celebrity Cruises and Chantiers de l'Atlantique teams. We know and trust one another, and work in harmony to offer a unique and sustainable experience for passengers."
This partnership ensures that every detail of Celebrity Xcel is crafted to perfection, promising an unparalleled cruising experience for guests.
Upcoming Itineraries
Celebrity Xcel will debut in November 2025 in the Caribbean, sailing her inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale. Guests can look forward to seven-night itineraries that alternate between the Bahamas, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. These sailings are now open for booking, offering travellers the chance to be among the first to experience this groundbreaking vessel.
Discover the Future of Cruising with Celebrity Xcel
The launch of Celebrity Xcel marks a new chapter in premium cruising, combining luxury, innovation, and sustainability. With its cutting-edge design and unparalleled guest experiences, Celebrity Xcel is set to redefine the future of travel at sea.
For personalised advice and expert assistance in planning your next tour, connect with a travel adviser at S.W. Black Travel. Embark on a journey of excellence with Celebrity Cruises and create unforgettable memories aboard Celebrity Xcel.
Comments