The keel laying for Celebrity Cruises’ fifth Edge-series ship, Celebrity Xcel, marks a key milestone in maritime tradition and innovation.
- Held at the renowned Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, the ceremony was attended by significant figures in the cruise industry.
- The new vessel is set to begin service in November 2025 with innovative tri-fuel engines, symbolising a step towards sustainability.
- President Jason Liberty highlighted the construction as foundational to future fleet enhancements and carbon neutrality efforts.
- Celebrity Xcel’s innovative design is credited to the skilled partnership between Celebrity Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
The keel laying ceremony represents a revered maritime tradition, signifying the official start of a ship’s construction. In the case of Celebrity Cruises’ latest ship, the Celebrity Xcel, this pivotal event was held at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France. Attending the ceremony were prominent figures such as Royal Caribbean Group’s president and chief executive, Jason Liberty, Celebrity Cruises president Laura Hodges Bethge, and shipyard general manager Laurent Castaing, who collectively initiated this construction phase.
Scheduled to enter service in November 2025, the Celebrity Xcel will operate in the Caribbean, offering seven-night itineraries. Passengers can expect to explore vibrant destinations including the Bahamas, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, Saint Thomas, and Saint Martin. This strategic deployment underscores Celebrity Cruises’ commitment to enhancing itineraries in sought-after tropical locales.
A groundbreaking feature of the Celebrity Xcel is its tri-fuel engine capability, a first for the cruise line. The ship’s engine is designed to run on three different types of fuel, including methanol, aligning with Celebrity Cruises’ forward-looking vision of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This technological advancement is not merely a testament to innovation but a tangible step towards reducing the maritime industry’s carbon footprint.
Jason Liberty, in his remarks at the ceremony, emphasised the dual importance of the ship’s construction: as a vehicle for countless passenger experiences and as a crucial element of the company’s sustainability strategy. “Today we not only mark the start of construction, but we are laying the foundation on which countless memories will be created,” he stated.
Celebrity Cruises president Laura Hodges Bethge expressed gratitude for the ongoing collaboration with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, noting that their craftsmanship continues to enhance the Edge series’ innovative design and world-class features. This partnership is vital in propelling Celebrity Cruises’ ability to meet the evolving expectations of modern travellers.
The Celebrity Xcel’s keel laying ceremony is a significant step forward in sustainable cruising and industry innovation.
