Karl WP Beyer 24.10.2025 - Double blow at Celebrity Cruises: The Celebrity Xcel, the fifth ship in the Edge class, has been officially taken over – at the same time, construction of the Celebrity Xcite, which is expected to arrive in 2028, begins with the steel cutting.
Celebrity Xcel: Fifth Edge-class ship officially handed over
The French shipyard Chantiers de l'Atlantique has handed over the Celebrity Xcel to Celebrity Cruises. With this new addition, the cruise line continues its Edge class, which stands for striking design and new spatial concepts.
Executives from the Royal Caribbean Group and Celebrity Cruises, along with over 1.600 crew members, gathered on board for the handover. Traditional elements such as a signing ceremony and flag change were part of the program, and the celebration took place in the three-story Grand Plaza.
The Celebrity Xcel begins her debut Caribbean season in mid-November. From her home port of Fort Lauderdale, she offers eight-day Sunday sailings with alternating itineraries. She will visit staple destinations such as Mexico, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.
Sister ship Celebrity Apex
The first European season is planned for the summer of 2026: eight to twelve-day trips will depart from Barcelona and Athens through the Mediterranean; additional trips to Madeira – including overnight on the Atlantic island.
The cruise line is announcing seven new areas on board – with the goal of further blurring the line between ship and destination and creating additional opportunities for relaxation and exploration. Parts of the design were developed with guests through the "Xcel Dream Makers" program.
Celebrity Xcite - Rendering
Celebrity Xcite: Steel cutting marks start of construction of the sixth Edge ship
Parallel to the handover, the name of the next newbuild was unveiled: Celebrity Xcite. The ceremonial steel-cutting ceremony marks the official start of construction of the sixth Edge-class ship, which is expected to enter service in 2028.
The Celebrity Xcite is designed to further develop the guest experience of the class and build on the innovations of its sister ships.
