The keel laying ceremony for Celebrity Cruises’ 5th Edge-series ship took place at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard (in Saint-Nazaire France) on June 13th.
This traditional maritime event was attended by RCG-Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge, and shipyard General Manager Laurent Castaing, who together lowered the first steel block for the new vessel.
Named Celebrity Xcel, the vessel is scheduled to debut in November 2025, offering 7-night Caribbean itineraries. The routes will alternate between destinations including the Bahamas, Mexico, and the Cayman Islands, as well as Puerto Plata Dominicana, St Thomas and St Maarten.
A notable feature of Celebrity Xcel is her tri-fuel capable engine, which can utilize 3 different types of fuel, including methanol. This makes it the first ship in the company’s fleet with such capability, aligning with Celebrity Cruises’ goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Laura Hodges Bethge expressed excitement about the upcoming debut of Celebrity Xcel, highlighting the exceptional guest experiences the ship will offer, in line with the company’s motto, “Nothing Comes Close.” She also acknowledged the craftsmanship of the Chantiers de l’Atlantique team in enhancing the innovative design and world-class features of the EDGE Series ships.
Jason Liberty remarked on the significance of the ceremony, noting that the construction of each new ship lays the groundwork for countless future memories. He emphasized that Celebrity Xcel represents an important step in the company’s progress toward net-zero emissions, with its methanol-capable engine advancing the transition to future energy solutions.