The keel-laying ceremony for the Celebrity Xcel marks the start of construction on the brand's fifth Edge-series ship, which will set sail in the fall of
2025. 
Celebrity celebrates the keel-laying ceremony at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, where Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, and Laurent Castaing, CEO of Chantiers de l'Atlantique, lowered the first 739-ton steel block for the new ship into the dry dock.
As part of an old maritime tradition, executives from the cruise line and the shipyard placed newly minted coins on the first steel piece to bring the ship good luck both during the construction process and on future voyages. As a nod to the new caliber of excellence that the brand's Edge series ships represent, the coin's design commemorated another great innovation: NASA's Saturn V rocket.
Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, said, “Each new ship represents an opportunity to advance our journey toward zero emissions, and with Xcel, we are building our first methanol-capable ship, which helps advance our transition to the energy platform of the future.”
“We can’t wait to debut Celebrity Xcel and its unparalleled guest experiences, living up to its name in every way with surprises that confirm 'Nothing Comes Close' to a Celebrity vacation,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “We appreciate the continued collaboration of the Chantiers de l’Atlantique team for lending their craftsmanship to further elevate the innovative design and world-class features of our beloved Edge Series ships.”
Pushing the boundaries of leisure travel, Celebrity Xcel will move forward with the first tri-fuel capable engine, able to use three types of fuel, and represents a significant step in the company's journey towards net-zero emissions.
Celebrity Xcel will make its Caribbean debut in November 2025, sailing its inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale on seven-night itineraries alternating between the Bahamas, Mexico and the Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas and St. Maarten.
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