Celebrity Cruises Celebrates New Horizons with Celebrity Xcel and Xcite
Celebrity Cruises has marked a significant milestone in its evolution as a leader in premium cruise experiences with the recent delivery of its newest ship, Celebrity Xcel. The handover took place at Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, and signifies not just the addition of a new vessel to the fleet, but a bold step forward in defining luxury travel at sea.
A New Chapter in Sea Travel
As part of the continuing Edge Series lineup, Celebrity Xcel is positioned to reshape the expectation of cruise vacations. The ship is designed with utmost consideration for its guests, aligning with Celebrity Cruises' vision for delivering unparalleled adventures on the water. According to Jason Liberty, the president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, “Celebrity Xcel represents the next bold step in our journey to transform the way the world experiences premium travel.”
The ship was delivered amid traditional maritime celebrations, emphasizing the important occasion for both the company and its partners. Not only does Celebrity Xcel introduce new features that blur the lines between ship and shore, but it also represents a collaborative effort between the cruise line and the shipyard, showcasing designs that enhance guest experiences.
The Inaugural Season Awaits
Set to welcome guests in November, Celebrity Xcel will embark on a series of seven-night itineraries from Fort Lauderdale. Destinations span across The Bahamas, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. Following this inaugural season in the Caribbean, the ship will transition into the European market come Summer 2026 and offer journeys that allow guests to delve deeper into the Mediterranean experience, including overnight stays in stunning locales like Madeira, Portugal.
Moreover, this latest vessel offers newly designed spaces and innovative features aimed at making vacations even more thrilling. With seven new spaces aboard, Celebrity Xcel promises to enhance the guest experience effortlessly.
Introducing Celebrity Xcite
In an exciting development, Celebrity Cruises also announced its sixth Edge Series ship, Celebrity Xcite, during the delivery ceremony of Xcel. The initial steel cutting for Xcite marks the official start of construction, signaling that future voyages will continue expanding the innovative offerings trademarked by Celebrity. Planned for a launch in 2028, Celebrity Xcite aims to elevate the cruising experience even further, ensuring a continuation of the luxurious essence that Celebrity Cruises has pioneered for decades.
Royal Caribbean executives and Celebrity Cruises staff celebrated these significant milestones, which was marked by a ceremonial signing and a toast in the impressive Grand Plaza of Celebrity Xcel. “Celebrity Xcite will connect guests to the breathtaking world around them like never before,” noted Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, reflecting on the overall objective of the Edge Series ships.
A Commitment to Excellence
The introduction of Celebrity Xcel, combined with the announcement of Celebrity Xcite, highlights Celebrity Cruises' commitment to excellence and innovation within the cruise industry. As they prepare for the launch of these remarkable ships, they are also setting new standards for luxury travel that merge comfort, design, and advanced technology to create memorable vacations for travelers.
The future looks bright for Celebrity Cruises as they continue their journey in redefining premium cruising—taking guests on unforgettable adventures across the globe. To stay informed about these developments and upcoming options, potential guests can visit
www.celebritycruises.com or contact a trusted travel advisor.