Karl WP Beyer November 07, 2023 - Celebrity Cruises commissions the new construction of the innovative ship class - The Celebrity Xcel is scheduled to debut in the Caribbean at the end of 2025
Celebrity Ascent Celebrity Xcel © Rendering Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises will be their newest ship Celebrity Xcel to name. It is the fifth new building in the innovative and award-winning Edge class.
The unveiling took place today at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. For the ceremonial cutting of the steel Celebrity Xcel Executives from the Royal Caribbean Group - Celebrity Cruises is one of the world's leading cruise brands - and the shipyard came.
“The Edge Class has exceeded all expectations of cruising and I am delighted with it Celebrity Xcel “To announce our next bold step,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, adding, “True to her name (Excel = Exceed), the newest ship will once again surpass her sister ships and offer all-new experiences that will soon be unveiled .”
Maiden voyage in November 2025
The Celebrity Xcel is scheduled to set sail in November 2025 and make her Caribbean debut over the winter. There are several eight-day itineraries to choose from from the home port of Fort Lauderdale. The Bahamas, Mexico and the Cayman Islands as well as the Dominican Republic, Saint Thomas (US Virgin Islands) and Sint Maarten will be called at. The cruises can be booked now.
Magic Carpet also at Celebrity Xcel
After Celebrity edge, Celebrity Apex, CelebrityBeyond and the Celebrity Ascent, which sets off on its maiden voyage later this month, will be the Celebrity Xcel will be the fifth ship of the Edge class, which is one of the most modern and innovative ship classes in the world. A unique selling point is the Magic Carpet, the free-floating platform on the starboard side of the ship. During the day it provides additional space on the resort deck as a spacious bar and in the evening it serves as an extension of a specialty restaurant - the guest always floats directly above the sea.
Other highlights of Celebrity Xcel will include:
● The Retreat, an exclusive resort-within-a-resort space for suite guests, with a two-story sundeck;
● State-of-the-art accommodations, from contemporary two-story villas with private plunge pools to staterooms with infinite verandas that dissolve the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces;
● an expanded rooftop garden and new resort deck with unique cantilevered pools;
● a multi-level sunset bar with terraces that redefines the stern of the ship;
● a new Daniel Boulud gourmet restaurant at sea (the French chef has two Michelin stars);
● an unparalleled variety of shows, concerts, sports and activities;
● a redesigned Grand Plaza that spans three decks, creating an airy and open interior space.