On Wednesday, November 17, company executives signed the steel-cut for the 4th ship (Ascent) of Celebrity Cruises’ EDGE-class Series at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard/fka STX France in Saint-Nazaire.
Celebrity's EDGE-class boats are all constructed in France and named Celebrity Edge (2018-built), Celebrity Apex (2021), Celebrity Beyond (2022) and Celebrity Ascent (2023).
Ascent ship's steel-cutting ceremony started the vessel's construction and signaled the next chapter in the brand's remarkable year as it led the industry out of the crisis with Celebrity Edge (the first to sail from a USA homeport on June 26), formally launched Celebrity Apex (on November 2) and shared more details on Celebrity Beyond (due in April 2022).
Richard Fain, Chairman & CEO of RCG-Royal Caribbean Group, shipowner and parent company of Celebrity Cruises, said:
“The name of this new ship is very apropos as the industry rebounds, but also as Celebrity continues to lead the industry as an unmatched new-luxury brand and cruise line.
“Celebrity Ascent will take the industry to new heights as it pushes the boundaries of what people can experience on a ship and how they experience it.
“What another wonderful moment for our brand, our company and our industry to be in this incredible shipyard making the traditional first cut of steel on this magnificent ship and signaling the bright future that lies ahead,” said Lutoff-Perlo. “While I wish I could share what we have in store for this ship, I can tell you our ‘Ascent’ will be Celebrity Beyond’s sister ship in every way, and then some.”
“This is a momentous occasion and a new milestone in the long success story we have with Celebrity Cruises and the Royal Caribbean Group,” said Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique. “Celebrity has been on the forefront of pushing the industry forward on multiple levels, and it’s our privilege to partner and collaborate with them as we bring Celebrity Ascent to life.”
Celebrity Ascent is scheduled to debut in early 2023.