Celebrity Xcel Keel Laying Ceremony

Construction of the fifth ship in Celebrity Cruises’ award-winning Edge Series has begun, with a launch set for autumn 2025.

A significant milestone was celebrated today in the world of luxury sea travel as construction commenced on Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship, Celebrity Xcel. The keel laying ceremony at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, marked the beginning of this momentous project.

This latest and most advanced addition to Celebrity’s Edge Series is poised to elevate the cruise experience to new heights. When Celebrity Xcel sets sail in autumn 2025, it promises to immerse guests in the breathtaking wonders of the world like never before, offering several new, yet-to-be-revealed features for an unparalleled premium holiday.

At the heart of the ceremony, Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group (Celebrity Cruises’ parent company), Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, and Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, participated in the traditional lowering of the first 739-tonne steel block into the dry dock. Continuing a longstanding maritime tradition, the executives placed newly minted coins on the first piece of steel to bring good luck to the ship during its construction and future voyages. In a nod to the new level of excellence represented by the Edge Series, the coin design commemorated NASA’s Saturn V rocket, a symbol of great innovation.

“Today, we not only mark the start of construction but also lay the foundation for countless future memories,” said Jason Liberty, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “Each new ship represents an opportunity to advance our journey towards net zero. With Xcel, we are building our first methanol-capable ship, which is a significant step towards the energy platform of the future.”

“We can’t wait to unveil Celebrity Xcel and her unrivalled guest experiences, living up to her name in every way with surprises that confirm ‘Nothing Comes Close’ to a Celebrity holiday,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises. “We are thankful for the ongoing partnership with the Chantiers de l’Atlantique team, whose craftsmanship will 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 teams at Celebrity Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique,” added Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique. “We work together in harmony to offer passengers a unique and sustainable experience.”

Celebrity Xcel is set to push the boundaries of leisure travel and advance Royal Caribbean Group’s long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability. Featuring the company’s first tri-fuel capable engine, the new ship will have unmatched fuel flexibility, able to utilise three types of fuel, including methanol—a first for the company. This innovation is a crucial step in the journey towards Destination Net Zero, Royal Caribbean’s vision for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Celebrity Xcel will debut in November 2025, embarking on her inaugural season in the Caribbean. She will sail from Fort Lauderdale on seven-night itineraries, visiting destinations such as the Bahamas, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. These sailings are now open for booking.

Stay up to date on Celebrity Xcel or book your next Celebrity cruise by visiting www.celebritycruises.com.