Celebrity Cruises Marks Construction Milestone with Keel-Laying of the New Celebrity Xcel

Celebrity Cruises recently celebrated a significant milestone in the construction of their latest marvel, the Celebrity Xcel, at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The ceremonial keel-laying event saw the placement of the first 739-ton steel block, marking the commencement of the ship’s assembly.

During this pivotal ceremony, executives from Celebrity Cruises partook in the traditional placement of newly minted coins on the first piece of steel—a nod to maritime lore intended to bring good fortune to the vessel. The coins bore the design of NASA’s iconic Saturn V rocket, symbolizing the pioneering spirit of the new vessel.

Slated for a debut in November 2025, the Celebrity Xcel is the latest addition to the renowned Edge Class. With a capacity to accommodate 3,260 guests, the ship is poised to become the brand’s first capable of operating on methanol, aligning with Royal Caribbean Group’s ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, expressed her excitement about the ship’s innovative features: “We can’t wait to debut Celebrity Xcel and her unrivaled guest experiences. Living up to her name in every way, the ship will offer surprises that confirm ‘Nothing Comes Close’ to a Celebrity vacation. We are grateful for our continued partnership with the Chantiers de l’Atlantique team, whose craftsmanship helps elevate the innovative design and world-class features of our beloved Edge Series ships.”

Celebrity Xcel is set to homeport in Fort Lauderdale for her inaugural season, offering 7-night itineraries that traverse the Bahamas, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. Bookings for these exciting new sailings are now open, inviting travelers to be among the first to experience the next level of luxury at sea with Celebrity Cruises.