Celebrity Cruises Begins Construction on Celebrity Xcel

Construction started today for Celebrity Cruises’ next ship, Celebrity Xcel. The cruise line hosted a keel laying ceremony at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France for its fifth Edge Series ship. Celebrity Xcel will begin sailing in the fall of 2025. 

In attendance at the ceremony were 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.

The first 739-ton steel block for the new ship was lowered into the dry dock. As part of the longstanding maritime tradition, executives from the cruise company and the shipyard placed newly minted coins on the first piece of steel to bestow good luck on the ship during construction and future sailings. Nodding to the new caliber of excellence ushered by the brand’s Edge Series ships, the coin design commemorated another great innovation - NASA’s Saturn V rocket.

“Today, we not only mark the start of construction, but we are laying the foundation on which countless memories will be created,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “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.”

“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,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “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.”

“The Edge Series is the result of close collaboration between the Celebrity Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique teams,” continued Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique. “We know and trust one another, and work in harmony to offer a unique and sustainable experience for passengers.”

Celebrity Xcel will advance Royal Caribbean Group’s commitment to sustaining the planet with the first tri-fuel capable engine. This new engine will provide unmatched fuel flexibility, with the ability to use three types of fuel, including methanol (a first for the company). It is another step for the company’s journey to Destination Net Zero, in which it is aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050.

Celebrity Xcel will make its debut in November 2025 in the Caribbean. The ship will sail an inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale, on seven-night itineraries alternating between the Bahamas, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. 

Sailings on Celebrity Xcel through April 2026 are now open for booking.  

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