Celebrity signs shipbuilding deal to expand Edge-series fleet
Royal Caribbean Group has signed a deal with shipbuilding firm Chantiers de l’Atlantique to buy a sixth Edge-series ship.
The ship – currently known as "Edge 6" or "Xcel 2" – will be the sister ship to Celebrity Xcel which launches later this year. Edge 6 is slated for delivery in 2028.
Other Edge-series vessels include Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Apex, and Celebrity Edge, the first Edge ship to be delivered in 2018.
The sixth Edge ship will "incorporate the series’ key features and make room for other yet-to-be-announced innovations", Royal Caribbean Group revealed.
Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group president and chief executive, said: “Celebrity’s Edge Series redefined premium travel at sea, blending groundbreaking design and unforgettable guest experiences.
"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."
Celebrity president Laura Hodges Bethge said Celebrity Xcel would be the "happy place" for holidaymakers.
"We’re thrilled to be making this commitment to bring her a sister ship in Edge 6," she added.
The group’s new-build pipeline currently includes eight ships on order. In 2024, the cruising giant will welcome Royal Caribbean International’s Star of the Seas and Celebrity’s Celebrity Xcel.
This latest shipbuilding agreement is contingent upon customary conditions, including financing, Royal Caribbean Group said.
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