At the ceremony, Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, and Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, ceremoniously lowered the first 739-ton steel block for the new ship into the dry dock. In line with maritime tradition, executives from the cruise company and the shipyard placed newly minted coins on the first piece of steel to bestow good luck on the ship during construction and future sailings. The coin design, nodding to the brand’s Edge Series innovations, commemorated NASA’s Saturn V rocket, symbolizing a new caliber of excellence.
“Today, we not only mark the start of construction, but we are laying the foundation on which countless memories will be created,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “Each new ship also represents an opportunity to advance our journey to net zero, and with Xcel, we are building our first methanol capable ship, which helps advance our transition to the energy platform of the future.”
“We can’t wait to debut Celebrity Xcel and her unrivaled guest experiences, living up to her name in every way with surprises that confirm ‘Nothing Comes Close’ to a Celebrity vacation,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “We are grateful for the continued partnership of the Chantiers de l’Atlantique team for lending their craftsmanship to further elevate the innovative design and world-class features of our beloved Edge Series ships.”
“The Edge Series is the result of close collaboration between the Celebrity Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique teams,” continued Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique. “We know and trust one another, and work in harmony to offer a unique and sustainable experience for passengers.”
Celebrity Xcel is set to push the boundaries of leisure travel by advancing Royal Caribbean Group’s longstanding commitment to environmental sustainability. Equipped with the company’s first tri-fuel capable engine, this innovative vessel offers unmatched fuel flexibility, including the use of methanol for the first time. This significant advancement marks a crucial step in the company’s journey toward Destination Net Zero, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050.
Celebrity Xcel is set to debut in November 2025 in the Caribbean, beginning her inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale. The seven-night itineraries will alternate between the Bahamas, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. Bookings for these exciting voyages are now open.
Tags: Celebrity Cruises, Laura Hodges Bethge, Celebrity Xcel, cruise news, Cruises industry news, luxury cruises, ason Liberty, RpRoyal Caribbean Group
