Many people thought that Royal Caribbean would end the Oasis-class with Utopia of the Seas, but the cruise company has ordered another ship in the popular class. The same was thought about the upcoming Celebrity Xcel being the final member of the cruise line’s Edge class.
That will also not be the case.
Related: Celebrity Cruises wants your help with its new ship
Royal Caribbean Group has signed an agreement with Chantiers de l’Atlantique to order a sixth Edge Series ship for delivery to Celebrity Cruises in 2028. Edge 6 or “Xcel 2” will be the sister-ship to Celebrity Xcel, which is preparing to take its inaugural sail later this year.
Other Edge Series ships include Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Apex, and Celebrity Edge – the first ship in the series that was delivered in 2018.
“Celebrity’s Edge Series redefined premium travel at sea, blending groundbreaking design and unforgettable guest experiences. 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,” said Royal Caribbean Group Jason Liberty. “Partnering with Chantiers de l’Atlantique to expand the Edge Series with Edge 6 is another milestone in our mission to deliver the world’s best vacations responsibly.”
Celebrity Xcel will be delivered later this year.
Image source: Celebrity Cruises
Edge class continues to evolve
Celebrity has promised that Xcel will have some new features and not just be a copy of previous Edge-class ships. It has also launched the “Dream Makers” program which invites fans of the brand to help with the ship’s design.
“Travelers can join the ‘Dream Makers’ community to vote on and test new experiences, with the ability to make the final decision across culinary, entertainment and interior design,” the cruise line shared in a press release. “Guests will choose textiles, manage interior design, pick dishes and beverages, and provide input on entertainment.”
Celebrity President Laura Hodges Bethge is excited about Xcel and its sister ship.
“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,” she added.
Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series ships transformed guest’s experience by bringing them closer to destinations with state-of-the-art features like the Magic Carpet – the world’s first cantilevered, floating platform at sea – offering a new way to dine, drink and connect with destinations, or take in the dramatic local landscapes. Other innovations introduced by Celebrity’s Edge Series ships include Infinite Veranda staterooms, which erase the boundaries between ship and shore.
The sixth ship in the lineup will incorporate the series’ key features and make room for other yet-to-be-announced innovations.
“The strong ties between Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Royal Caribbean Group have led to the creation of the unique Edge Series design,” said Chantiers de l’Atlantique CEO Laurent Castaing. “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.”
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Royal Caribbean Group’s newbuild pipeline currently includes a total of eight ships on order. This year, the company will welcome two new ships including Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas and Celebrity Xcel.
This agreement is contingent upon customary conditions, including financing.
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