Celebrity Xcel Delivered and Celebrity Xcite Construction Starts

Celebrity Cruises is gearing up for an exciting phase of growth and innovation with the addition of two new milestones to its Edge-class lineup. The cruise line has officially taken delivery of the Celebrity Xcel, its fifth Edge-class ship, and announced the start of construction for the sixth ship in the series, the Celebrity Xcite, expected to debut in 2028. These developments underline the company’s continued commitment to premium cruising experiences and destination-rich itineraries.

Celebrity Xcel Launches Ahead of November Maiden Voyage

Built at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, the Celebrity Xcel was recently delivered to Celebrity Cruises. Measuring approximately 141,000 gross tons and designed to accommodate about 3,300 passengers, the ship represents the culmination of evolving Edge-class designs that prioritize luxury, relaxation, and destination immersion.

The Celebrity Xcel will embark on a five-day preview sailing starting November 9, 2023, round-trip from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with a stop in Cozumel, Mexico. Its official maiden voyage is scheduled for November 18, 2023. Following this, the ship will operate seven-night Caribbean itineraries alternating between destinations such as The Bahamas, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. In summer 2026, Celebrity Xcel will reposition to the Mediterranean, offering seven- to eleven-night voyages from Barcelona and Athens. The Mediterranean itineraries will feature new overnight stops in Madeira, Portugal, aimed at deepening guests' connections to the destinations.

Reimagined Entertainment and Features Aboard Celebrity Xcel

The Celebrity Xcel boasts a host of enhancements designed to elevate the onboard experience. One of the standout updates is the transformation of Eden, a hallmark space on earlier Edge-class ships, into a new venue called The Bazaar. This reimagined multi-use space embraces vibrant colors including bright oranges, pinks, and reds, vaulted LED screens, and floor-to-ceiling windows, serving as a setting for four destination-inspired festivals: Carnival, Viva, Aqua, and Flora. The idea is to bring the essence of the visited locales directly onboard through music, dance, and celebration.

The entertainment lineup is more expansive than ever, with over seventy-five resident performers contributing to an array of shows and activities. Programs in the Theater include:

• Mainstage: A high-energy live music concert inspired by iconic global festivals.
• Between Takes: A 1920s-themed Hollywood backlot caper capturing the thrill of filmmaking.
• Chapters: A visual journey through nature and transformation.

The Club will host two themed events: 254 West, an 80s-themed closing night party with an after-party experience, and HOTEL, a comedic whodunit show. Additional interactive entertainment includes escape rooms, game shows like High Stakes and Brain Spin, candlelit concerts, the Saddle Up Saloon with dance-along country music, the Shine the Night party, and roaming musicians, ensuring there’s something onboard to delight every guest.

For younger guests, a digital game wall with more than fifty games is featured in Camp at Sea to enhance the family-friendly digital gaming experience.

Unique art installations also adorn the ship, such as three large monkey sculptures on the pool deck pillars and surrounding areas, one seated monkey holding a smaller one and two hanging monkeys, enhancing the ship’s distinctive character.

Unveiling Celebrity Xcite: The Edge Series Continues

During Celebrity Xcel's delivery celebration held on October 23, 2023, Celebrity Cruises confirmed the name of its sixth Edge-class vessel, Celebrity Xcite. Construction for the new ship officially began with a ceremonial steel-cutting event at Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France. Set to join the fleet in 2028 as the 16th ship in Celebrity’s lineup (excluding upcoming river cruise vessels), Celebrity Xcite is expected to advance the luxury cruise line’s design ethos with innovations that cater to guest preferences.

“Celebrity Xcel represents the next bold step in our journey to transform the way the world experiences premium travel,” said Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “Each ship in the Edge Series has reimagined what’s possible at sea through elevated design and experiences that deepen the connection to the destinations being visited.” Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, added that the Celebrity Xcel and Celebrity Xcite demonstrate the company’s commitment to providing thoughtfully curated experiences. “The 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,” she noted.

Market and Environmental Insights

Celebrity Cruises remains focused on delivering intimate and premium travel experiences, rejecting the trend toward building mega-ships. The Edge-class ships, which accommodate fewer passengers compared to large industry vessels, emphasize luxury and destination immersion, allowing for a more customizable travel experience.

The addition of Celebrity Xcel and the planned launch of Celebrity Xcite reflect the broader rebound of the cruise industry following the pandemic. Order books at Chantiers de l'Atlantique remain robust, with ship deliveries scheduled through 2036. Celebrity Cruises continues to push for innovations in ship design that align with environmental sustainability goals, incorporating features such as cleaner fuels and modern technological advancements to reduce environmental impact.

These efforts, coupled with Celebrity’s destination-rich itineraries and enhanced entertainment options, ensure that the company remains a competitive player in the premium cruise sector.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the itineraries for Celebrity Xcel's inaugural season?

The Celebrity Xcel will launch with a five-day preview sailing on November 9, 2023, followed by its official maiden voyage on November 18, 2023. It will then operate seven-night Caribbean itineraries departing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. These itineraries alternate between The Bahamas, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. In summer 2026, the ship will begin Mediterranean itineraries, featuring seven- to eleven-night journeys from Barcelona and Athens, including overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.

What is unique about Edge-class ships?

Edge-class ships prioritize a luxurious and intimate cruising experience through innovative designs such as the Magic Carpet, the cantilevered platform extending over the ship’s side, and destination-centric features like The Retreat. Updated venues, a robust entertainment lineup, distinctive onboard art including the signature pool deck monkey sculptures, and sustainable designs further set these ships apart from competitors.

When will Celebrity Xcite join the fleet?

The Celebrity Xcite, the sixth ship in the Edge series, began construction at Chantiers de l'Atlantique in October 2023 and is expected to join the Celebrity Cruises fleet in 2028.

What are the entertainment highlights on Celebrity Xcel?

The Celebrity Xcel offers a diverse array of entertainment options, including three main theater productions: Mainstage, Between Takes, and Chapters, as well as interactive experiences at The Club with shows like 254 West and HOTEL. Guests will also enjoy additional live music venues and parties, family-friendly digital gaming at Camp at Sea, and various game shows and activities onboard.

Where was Celebrity Xcel built?

The Celebrity Xcel was constructed at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, before delivery to Celebrity Cruises earlier in 2023.