Celebrity Takes Delivery of Xcel, Announces Next Ship as Xcite

Celebrity Cruises took delivery of its newest ship Celebrity Xcel last week. The line also announced the name of its sixth Edge Series ship – Celebrity Xcite – as the ship’s first piece of steel was cut and construction commenced. 

After construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, Celebrity Xcite is expected to set sail in 2028.

“Celebrity Xcel represents the next bold step in our journey to transform the way the world experiences premium travel,” said Royal Caribbean Group president and CEO Jason Liberty. 

“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. With Celebrity Xcel now joining the fleet and 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.”

Celebrity Cruises president Laura Hodges Bethge added:  

“We’re thrilled to welcome guests aboard next month and are excited to further expand these offerings on Celebrity Xcite. 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.” 

Welcoming the newest addition to the Celebrity Cruises fleet were Liberty, Hodges Bethge, Castaing, and captain Kyriakos Matragkas, captain of Celebrity Xcel. Executives were also joined by more than 1,600 Celebrity Xcel crew members in the celebration.

The milestone was marked with time-honoured maritime traditions, including a formal signing ceremony, the symbolic changing of flags aboard the vessel, and a celebratory toast in the ship’s spectacular three-story Grand Plaza. 

From November, Celebrity Xcel will sail her inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale, offering seven-night itineraries alternating between The Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, and Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. 

In Summer 2026, Celebrity Xcel will set sail on her inaugural European season where guests can immerse themselves in the Mediterranean like never before on seven- to 11-night journeys out of Barcelona and Athens, including all new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.

Celebrity Cruises also ushered in its next era of excellence, as it revealed the name of Celebrity Xcel’s sister ship – Celebrity Xcite. The name was unveiled during a steel cutting ceremony, marking the official start of construction. Executives from Royal Caribbean Group and the shipyard were present to celebrate this milestone.

Celebrity Cruises’ sixth Edge Series ship, Celebrity Xcite will continue to elevate the guest experience, furthering the innovative experiences coveted in her sister ships designed to deliver an unmatched premium vacation.