Celebrity Cruises to Launch Celebrity Xcel in Winter 2025

Celebrity Cruises today announced the name of its fifth Edge Series ship as Celebrity Xcel. The new ship is slated to make its debut in winter 2025.

The name reveal was made today at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in France. Executives from Royal Caribbean Group and the shipyard were on hand to cut the first piece of steel for the vessel. 

“The Edge Series has shattered preconceived notions of cruising, and I am thrilled to announce our next bold step as a brand with Celebrity Xcel,” said Celebrity Cruises’ President Laura Hodges Bethge. “True to her name, this next ship will ‘Xcel’ beyond her sister ships with entirely new experiences, yet to be revealed, but that will change the game all over again.” 

Celebrity Xcel is the sister ship to Celebrity Ascent, which will make its debut this month. The new ship will offer several distinctive features and spaces including: 

• The Retreat area, a special resort-within-a-resort space reserved for suite guests. The Retreat on Celebrity Xcel will be highlighted by a two-story sundeck. 
• Accommodation options include modern two-story villas with private plunge pools and a number of staterooms with infinite verandas. 
• An expanded Rooftop Garden and Resort Deck, that will feature unique cantilevered float pools. 
• A multi-level, multi-terraced Sunset Bar on the ship’s aft. 
• A new Daniel Boulud restaurant at sea. 
• A redesigned Grand Plaza, which spans three decks. 
• The return of the Magic Carpet, a  soaring cantilevered lounge/dining space above the sea. 

Celebrity Xcel will make its official debut in November 2025. The ship will spend its inaugural season sailing 7-night Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, with itineraries alternating between the Bahamas, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. 

Bookings for the inaugural season of Celebrity Xcel are open as of today. 

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