Coinciding with Celebrity Cruises announcing that it would crowdsource the design of the upcoming new Celebrity Xcel, the premium line also revealed plans to build a sixth Edge-class ship called Edge 6 or Xcel 2. The vessel will be delivered in 2028, marking a full decade of the ship series, as the first Celebrity Edge vessel arrived in 2018.
Editor’s note: This article will be updated as new details about the ship are released.
“Celebrity's Edge Series redefined premium travel at sea, blending groundbreaking design and unforgettable guest experiences,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of parent company Royal Caribbean Group. “Each ship in this award-winning series has set a new standard for the industry, and Celebrity Xcel, sailing later this year, is no exception.”
Celebrity placed the vessel order with shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, where its preceding sister ships have all been constructed.
"The strong ties between Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Royal Caribbean Group have led to the creation of the unique Edge Series design,” said Laurent Castaing, CEO of Chantiers de l’Atlantique. “This sixth ship marks the epitome of a pioneering series in the cruise industry that is both elegant, high-performing and ever more innovative, notably thanks to its methanol capabilities.”
Xcel 2 will incorporate Edge series features such as signature Infinite Veranda staterooms, a cantilevered Magic Carpet multipurpose platform and more to be determined by the public. The line also promises to “make room for other yet-to-be-announced innovations.”
Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises is excited for Xcel’s launch in November and the eventual debut of Edge 6.
"Celebrity Xcel will take forward the best of Edge Series ships coupled with seven new experiences, all perfected with the help of our recently announced Xcel Dream Makers — an industry-first program enlisting the power of cruisers to make final decisions across culinary, interior design and entertainment," Bethge said.