Celebrity Cruises Celebrates “Celebrity Xcel” Keel Laying Ceremony

Construction recently began on Celebrity Cruises’ next ship, Celebrity Xcel, kicked off with a keel laying ceremony in Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The ship is slated to set sail in fall 2025 as one of Celebrity’s Edge Series ships, featuring many coveted innovative experiences from her sister ships and including yet-to-be-revealed offerings.

“We can’t wait to debut Celebrity Xcel and her unrivaled guest experiences, living up to her name in every way with surprises that confirm ‘Nothing Comes Close’ to a Celebrity vacation,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president, Celebrity Cruises. “We are grateful for the continued partnership of the Chantiers de l’Atlantique team for lending their craftsmanship to further elevate the innovative design and world-class features of our beloved Edge Series ships.”

At the ceremony, the first 739-ton steel block for the new ship was lowered in the dry dock and executives from the cruise line and shipyard, as per tradition, placed newly minted coins on the first piece of steel to bestow good luck on the ship.

“Today, we not only mark the start of construction, but we are laying the foundation on which countless memories will be created,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “Each new ship also represents an opportunity to advance our journey to net zero, and with Xcel, we are building our first methanol capable ship, which helps advance our transition to the energy platform of the future.”

Celebrity Xcel will boast the first tri-fuel capable engine to provide unmatched fuel flexibility and the ability to use three different types of fuel. The ship will sail her inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to alternating itineraries to the Bahamas, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas and St. Martin.