Royal Caribbean Group Orders Sixth Edge Class Ship for Celebrity Cruises

Royal Caribbean Group has signed an agreement with Chantiers de l’Atlantique for a sixth Edge-class vessel to be delivered to Celebrity Cruises in 2028. Alternatively referred to as Edge 6 or Xcel 2 (depending on who you ask), the ship will be a sister ship to Celebrity Xcel, which debuts this fall.

Xcel was meant to be “the cherry on top of our Edge series,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, at a press event in New York City last night.

But because the team got so excited about the seven new experiences they’re working on for Xcel, “we went and bought ourselves another vessel,” she added.

Just yesterday, Celebrity announced that it has launched a Dream Makers initiative that will allow cruises to vote on many of the onboard experiences, from entertainment to food and beverage, and even some of the design and décor choices.

“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 Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group in the new order announcement.

“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.”

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.