Like Celebrity Xcel before it, Celebrity Cruises’ next new ship, Celebrity Xcite, will continue the abbreviated naming approach first applied to the premium line’s original Galapagos vessels (Celebrity Xpedition, Celebrity Xperience and Celebrity Xploration).
Currently being built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, Xcite will be a sister ship to the recently launched Xcel, marking the sixth vessel in the Edge Series when it comes online in 2028.
"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,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “With … Celebrity Xcite on the horizon, we're continuing to set new standards for excellence and innovation alongside our trusted partners at Chantiers de l’Atlantique.”
Initial Details
At this time, little is known about what Xcite will offer specifically, but it is expected to be the same size as Xcel and to carry over many of the same onboard features. That means it will likely measure in at 141,420 gross tons, with a guest capacity of 3,260 (double occupancy), and showcase the newly debuted Bazaar multi-purpose space (replacing the class’ previous Eden area). Bora (an alfresco restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine) and Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud are anticipated among its 32 food and beverage options.
“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 — so, we know she will be the happy place of vacationers globally,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “We … are excited to further expand these offerings on Celebrity Xcite.”
Dream Makers was a first-of-its-kind program that invited clients to help craft their ideal vacation and direct the latest ships’ final designs.
“The entire Edge Series is the result of close collaboration between our teams,” said Laurent Castaing, general manager of Chantiers de l'Atlantique. “Our continued partnership with Royal Caribbean Group on Celebrity Xcite reflects a shared commitment to excellence and innovation.”
Xcite celebrated its initial steel cutting on Oct. 23, 2025, and the newbuild is now well on its way toward a scheduled 2028 completion.