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Celebrity Cruises marked two milestones at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, with the official delivery of Celebrity Xcel and the announcement of its next Edge-class ship, Celebrity Xcite, now under construction and expected to debut in 2028.
During a ceremony attended by executives from Royal Caribbean Group and Celebrity Cruises, the first piece of steel was cut for Celebrity Xcite, marking the start of the ship’s construction. Once complete, Xcite will become the sixth ship in Celebrity’s Edge Series, a collection that has shaped the brand’s modern, design-focused approach to cruising.
Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty described the moment as “the next bold step in redefining premium travel,” adding that each Edge-class ship has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible at sea. Laura Hodges Bethge, Celebrity’s president, said the team is excited to expand on what guests have come to love aboard the Edge Series, including the newest addition, Celebrity Xcel, which sets sail next month.
The shipyard celebration for Xcel included time-honored maritime traditions such as a signing ceremony, a flag-changing event, and a toast in the ship’s Grand Plaza with more than 1,600 crew members in attendance. Celebrity Xcel, the fifth ship in the class, will begin sailing from Fort Lauderdale in November, offering seven-night Caribbean itineraries before moving to Europe for the summer of 2026.
While details for Celebrity Xcite have not yet been revealed, it will continue the brand’s focus on design innovation, destination immersion, and an elevated onboard experience that defines the Edge Series.
Related: Celebrity Cruise Tips To Know Before You Sail
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she’s become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She’s always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.
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