Celebrity Cruises Takes Delivery of “Celebrity Xcel”

(eap) Miami-based cruise line Celebrity Cruises, part of the Royal Caribbean Group, celebrated two milestones last week at the French shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire. On the one hand, the company officially took delivery of its newest ship in the so-called “Edge Series”, the “Celebrity Xcel”. On the other hand, it announced the name of the sixth vessel in this series – “Celebrity Xcite” – and celebrated its official start of construction. According to the company, the newbuild is scheduled to enter service in 2028 and will continue the brand’s legacy of redefining premium cruising.

The Celebrity Xcel is set to embark on her maiden voyage in November. On board, guests can look forward to seven new spaces that will expand the fleet’s offerings. The ship will begin its inaugural season sailing from Fort Lauderdale (Florida), offering alternating seven-night cruises between The Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, as well as to Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. Starting in summer 2026, the ship will set sail on her inaugural European season – on seven- to eleven-night Mediterranean itineraries departing from Barcelona and Athens.

“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 program, so we know she will be the happy place of vacationers globally. We’re thrilled to welcome guests aboard next month and are excited to further expand these offerings on Celebrity Xcite,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises.

“Celebrity Xcel and the entire Edge Series is the result of close collaboration between our teams,” shared Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique. “Our continued partnership with Royal Caribbean Group on Celebrity Xcite reflects a shared commitment to excellence and innovation.”

In addition to the Celebrity Xcite, the Royal Caribbean Group also unveiled its latest ship in the “Oasis Class” last week, marking the start of construction with a traditional steel-cutting ceremony at the French shipyard. ■