Celebrity Cruises takes delivery of new Xcel ship and names next Edge class vessel
Celebrity Cruises has announced the name of its upcoming Edge class cruise ship, set to welcome passengers in 2028. The announcement coincided with a steel cutting ceremony at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, marking the official start of construction. The new vessel, named Celebrity Xcite, will be the sixth ship in the Edge class series, promising to enhance the guest experience with innovative features.
Construction Milestone and Upcoming Launches
The construction of Celebrity Xcite began this week, highlighting a significant milestone for Celebrity Cruises. Although specific details about the ship remain under wraps, the cruise line has indicated that it will build upon the successful elements of its sister ships, aiming to deliver an unparalleled premium vacation experience. The announcement also celebrated the handover of Celebrity Xcel, which has completed its sea trials and is now preparing for its inaugural sailings from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, next month.
The handover event featured a formal signing ceremony, the symbolic changing of flags aboard the vessel, and a celebratory toast in the ship’s stunning three-storey Grand Plaza. Celebrity Xcel is set to embark on a seven-night Caribbean itinerary for its inaugural season, followed by summer sailings in Europe starting in 2026. Guests can look forward to seven new features on Celebrity Xcel, including “The Bazaar,” a performance space inspired by the ship’s destinations, a Mediterranean restaurant named Bora, an adults-only games room, and exclusive pool deck areas.
Royal Caribbean Group’s CEO, Jason Liberty, emphasized the significance of Celebrity Xcel as a transformative step in premium travel. He stated that each ship in the Edge Series redefines possibilities at sea through innovative design and experiences that enhance connections to visited destinations. With Celebrity Xcel now part of the fleet and Celebrity Xcite on the horizon, Celebrity Cruises aims to continue setting new standards for excellence and innovation in the cruise industry.
