The premium cruise line took delivery of its newest vessel – and fifth Edge series ship – Celebrity Xcel at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, on Thursday (23 October).

Celebrity Xcel will begin sailing next month while Xcite is expected to launch in 2028. The first piece of steel for Xcite was cut at the same shipyard not far from where Xcel was delivered.

Royal Caribbean Group president and chief executive Jason Liberty said Xcel represented the "next bold step" on Celebrity's journey to "transforming" premium travel.

"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," he added.

"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 president Laura Hodges Bethge said: "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 programme, so we know she will be the happy place of vacationers globally."

Earlier this month, Celebrity announced Celebrity Xcel will have three new theatre productions, featuring aerialists, parkour artists and LED technology; two immersive club shows and live music experiences including a candlelit Classic Rock concert, country-themed Saddle Up Saloon and Mediterranean-inspired Bora brunch ballad.

Celebrity Xcel will sail seven-night itineraries from US port Fort Lauderdale this winter, with Mediterranean voyages launching in summer 2026.