Fifth Edge class cruise ship for Celebrity Cruises to be named Celebrity Xcel

Celebrity Cruises has announced that its fifth Edge class cruise ship will be named Celebrity Xcel during a steel cutting ceremony at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.

The cruise line also announced that the methanol-ready cruise ship would debut in November 2025, sailing a maiden cruise season of 7-night cruises out of Fort Lauderdale to either the Bahamas, Mexico and the Cayman Islands, or Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.

Executives from both Royal Caribbean Group, Celebrity Cruises, and Chantiers de l’Atlantique were in attendance to celebrate the steel cutting. Royal Caribbean Group is the parent company of Celebrity Cruises, as well as Silversea.

“The Edge Series has shattered preconceived notions of cruising, and I am thrilled to announce our next bold step as a brand with Celebrity Xcel,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, President, Celebrity Cruises. 

“True to her name, this next ship will ‘Xcel’ beyond her sister ships with entirely new experiences, yet to be revealed, but that will change the game all over again,” she added.

Celebrity Xcel marks the final ship in an initial five-ship order for the Edge class, but Celebrity Cruises has not confirmed whether she will be the last. 

The Edge class ships have proven extremely popular with passengers, characterised by their unique amenities and norm-eschewing features. These include the dramatic Magic Carpet dining and entertainment areas that jut out over the starboard side of the vessel, their Infinity Veranda staterooms, and Rooftop Garden resort decks.

Celebrity Excel will join Celebrity Edge, Apex and Beyond, which are already in service, with a four ship in the class, Celebrity Ascent, currently under commissioning and due to enter service in December. 

Celebrity Cruises have not announced the distinct features aboard Celebrity Xcel, but every Edge class ship has been slightly different from the last, based on evolving passenger feedback and expectations. 

Celebrity Apex, the second ship in the class featured a range of changes compared to Celebrity Edge, particularly in the set up and experience in the ship’s signature Eden lounge and restaurant. 

The third ship, Celebrity Beyond, introduced new dining and entertainment concepts, as well as expanded public spaces, while Celebrity Ascent will boast redesigned restaurants and lounges, as well as a wider array of solo cabins. 

All Edge class ships offer particular signature experiences, such as The Theatre, Rooftop Garden, Spa and sprawling Resort Deck, as well as the iconic Magic Carpet, and The Grand Plaza and Martini Bar with its interactive chandelier and Flair, Flash, Fusion bartender shows.