Seven new experiences and a new logo for Celebrity Xcel

Come spring, the line will start sharing what those novelties are, President Laura Hodges Bethge said on the newly introduced fourth Edge-class ship, Celebrity Ascent, over the weekend.

Focus on entertainment and activities

She noted that over the last year, the brand has been 'really focused on our entertainment and activities on board, one of our guests' passion points. Our customers tell us they want us to continue to innovate and push further.'

'We'll have a lot more things to do, a lot more activations,' said Keith Lane, SVP hotel operations, Celebrity. He suggested the new entertainment on Celebrity Ascent and what's been done with the Resort Deck could give an idea.

'Awaken' is one of the new shows on Celebrity Ascent

New Ascent shows include 'Awaken' and 'Bridges' in the main theater, which make use of kinetic lighting, lasers and IMAG to display real-time live performances on a large LED screen. On the Resort Deck is a new party called 'Shine,' a high-octane, prism light show where passengers are invited to wear their best metallic attire.

Methanol-ready

And Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty noted Xcel will be methanol-ready. (The ship will have a new Wärtsilä flex fuel engine with the ability to use three types of fuel, including methanol.)

Celebrity Xcel's new logo has an orange X on the funnel

'Have your mind blown with Xcel'

'The new ship has a brand-new logo on it ... That's a leading indicator there will be more very new things people have not seen before,' Celebrity CMO Michael Scheiner added. The funnel logo has an orange X.

In a briefing by company executives for travel advisors, he said, 'For now, just tell [clients] if you want to go on the Edge series, you will have your mind blown with Xcel.'