Celebrity Cruises reveals name of sixth Edge Series vessel
Celebrity Cruises revealed the name of its sixth Edge Series vessel during a steel cutting ceremony at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire
Celebrity Xcite, which is expected to join the line’s fleet in 2028, was announced as Celebrity took delivery of its fifth Edge Series ship, Celebrity Xcel.
Welcoming the vessel were Royal Caribbean Group president and CEO Jason Liberty, Celebrity Cruises president Laura Hodges Bethge and Laurent Castaing, general manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
“Celebrity Xcel represents the next bold step in our journey to transform the way the world experiences premium travel,” said Liberty. “Each ship in the Edge Series has reimagined what’s possible at sea through elevated design and experiences that deepen the connection to the destinations being visited.
“With Celebrity Xcel now joining the fleet and Celebrity Xcite on the horizon, we’re continuing to set new standards for excellence and innovation alongside our trusted partners at Chantiers de l’Atlantique.”
The milestone was marked with maritime traditions, including a formal signing ceremony, the symbolic changing of flags aboard the vessel, and a celebratory toast in the ship’s three-story Grand Plaza.
“Celebrity Xcel has been designed with our guest as our north star, we even involved them in the design process through the Xcel Dream Makers programme, so we know she will be the happy place of vacationers globally,” added Hodges Bethge.
From November, Xcel will sail its inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale, offering seven-night itineraries alternating between The Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, and Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.
In summer 2026, the ship will sail on its inaugural European season in the Mediterranean on seven- to 11-night itineraries out of Barcelona and Athens, including new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.
