Chantiers de l'Atlantique lays Celebrity Xcel's keel

Celebrity Xcel will sport a tri-fuel-capable engine, providing the flexiblity to use methanol, a first for the company.

The ship is set to debut in November 2025 in the Caribbean, sailing an inaugural winter season from Port Everglades. 

Advance to net zero

Each new ship 'represents an opportunity to advance our journey to net zero, and with Xcel, we are building our first methanol-capable ship, which helps advance our transition to the energy platform of the future,' said Jason Liberty, president/CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.

Royal Caribbean Group, Celebrity Cruises and Chantiers de l'Atlantique executives were on hand for the keel-laying

He was accompanied Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge and Laurent Castaing, GM of Chantiers de l'Atlantique, as the first 739-ton steel block for the new ship was lowered into the dry dock.

Coins commemorate NASA's Saturn V rocket

Executives placed newly minted coins on the first piece of steel for good luck. The coin design commemorated another great innovation, NASA's Saturn V rocket.

Bethge expressed her appreciation for the continued partnership of the Chantiers de l'Atlantique team for 'lending their craftsmanship to further elevate the innovative design and world-class features of our beloved Edge series ships.'

'We know and trust one another, and work in harmony to offer a unique and sustainable experience for passengers,' Castaing said.