Royal Caribbean Group and Celebrity Cruises make surprise ship relocation

Many thought Royal Caribbean would end its Oasis-class ships with Utopia of the Seas, but the cruise line has ordered another popular ship. People are thinking the same thing about the upcoming Celebrity Xcel, which is also the final member of the cruise line’s Edge class.

That won’t be the case either.

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Royal Caribbean Group has signed an agreement with Chantiers de l’Atlantique to order the sixth Edge series cruise ship, which will be delivered to Celebrity Cruises in 2028. It will sail for the first time later this year.

Other Edge Series ships include Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Edge (the first ship in the series was delivered in 2018).

“The Celebrity Edge Collection redefines premium sea travel, blending groundbreaking design and unforgettable guest experiences. Each ship in this award-winning collection sets a new standard for the industry, with all sailings set to sail later this year. Celebrity Xcel is no exception. “Expanding the Edge range with the launch of Edge 6 with Chantiers de l’Atlantique is another milestone in our mission to responsibly provide the best vacations in the world. ”

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Continuous development of edge categories

Celebrity promises that the Xcel will have some new features and won’t just be a replica of previous Edge-class ships. It also launched a “Dream Maker” program, inviting fans of the brand to help design ships.

“Travelers can join the ‘Dream Makers’ community to vote and test new experiences and be able to make final decisions on cooking, entertainment and interior design,” the cruise line shared in a press release. “Guests will choose textiles, managing interior design, selecting dishes and drinks, and providing input on entertainment.”

Celebrity President Laura Hodges Bethge is excited about the Xcel and its sister ships.

“Celebrity Xcel will take the best of the Edge family of ships and offer seven new experiences, all enhanced with the help of our recently announced Xcel Dream Makers – an industry-first program that harnesses the power of cruise ships in Make final decisions on cooking, interior design and catering.

Celebrity Cruises’ Edge line of cruise ships transforms the guest experience by bringing guests closer to their destination with state-of-the-art features such as the Magic Carpet, the world’s first cantilevered floating platform at sea, offering a way to dine, drink and A new way to communicate with people. Other innovations introduced on Celebrity Edge Series ships include Infinite Balcony Staterooms, which eliminate 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.

Laurent Castaing, Chief Executive Officer of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, said: “The strong relationship between Chantiers de l’Atlantique and the Royal Caribbean Group led to the creation of the unique Edge Series design.” This sixth ship marks a groundbreaking year for the series. miniature.

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Royal Caribbean Group’s newbuilding fleet currently has eight ships on order. This year, the company will welcome two new ships, including Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas and Celebrity Xcel.

The agreement is subject to customary conditions, including financing.

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