Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo paid tribute to the thousands of engineers, architects, designers, contractors, shipyard employees, and Celebrity Cruises teams as she welcomed Celebrity Beyond, the third and most luxurious ship in the fleet’s new and luxurious Edge Series, and a true game-changer for the travel industry. The moment was particularly special as it marked the shipyard’s first in-person handover ceremony since the pandemic.
Designed to offer guests endless opportunities to disconnect from the world – while simultaneously reconnecting with the world around them – Celebrity Beyond transcends what was previously imagined possible for a cruise, creating a new world of wonder and accessible luxury. Featuring cutting-edge design by the world’s leading architects and interior designers, culinary excellence from Michelin-starred chefs, world-renowned wellness partners, exquisite art, luxury brand retailers, and Celebrity’s uniquely intuitive service, Celebrity Beyond shatters all preconceived notions of the cruise experience. Celebrity Beyond, a floating boutique hotel, is an example of new luxury travel and its future at sea.
As part of the historic moment, Lutoff-Perlo joined Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty and the ship's captain, Kate McCue, for the official handover of the shipyard and the traditional flag change ceremony, held aboard Celebrity Beyond while docked at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The momentous occasion was celebrated alongside other Celebrity Cruises executives, shipyard officials, including Managing Director Laurent Castaing, and Beyond's 1,400 crew members, hailing from more than 60 different countries.
“The delivery of Celebrity Beyond marks our continued commitment to growth and innovation,” said Liberty. “This incredible ship signifies our commitment to investing in the future of the travel industry. We are deeply grateful to the team at Chantiers de l'Atlantique; our own Newbuild and Celebrity Cruises teams; our loyal guests and business partners; and everyone who contributed their time, resources, creativity, and loyalty.”
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to officially welcome Celebrity Beyond to our fleet,” said Lutoff-Perlo. “We see a continued desire to travel as business grows, and we see Beyond leading the cruise industry into the next era of luxury. We are more than ready to welcome our guests onboard and show them just how incredible this ship is.”.
Laurent Castaing, CEO of Chantiers de l'Atlantique, said: “Celebrity Beyond is one of the exceptional ships that will be remembered.”.
The Celebrity Beyond's maiden voyage will depart from Southampton on April 27, 2022 for a 10-night cruise around Western Europe, visiting Bordeaux (France), Lisbon (Portugal) and Seville, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona (Spain).
Next, it will offer a variety of Mediterranean trips, including nine-night itineraries around the Italian Riviera and France and 10-night itineraries around the Greek islands until early October, when it heads to the Caribbean.
