Royal Caribbean Group announced on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, that it has signed an agreement with Chantiers de I’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, for a sixth Edge Series ship. Expected to be delivered to Celebrity Cruises in 2028, the ship, Edge 6 or “Xcel 2,” will be the sister ship to Celebrity Xcel which begins sailing later this year. Along with Celebrity Xcel, other Edge Series ships are Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Edge, which was the first ship in the series in 2018.
Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO, Jason Liberty, 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. Partnering with Chantiers de l’Atlantique to expand the Edge Series with Edge 6 is another milestone in our mission to deliver the world’s best vacations responsibly.”
Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series ships offer various new and innovative ways for guests to experience cruising. One of its state-of-the-art features is the iconic Magic Carpet–“the world’s first cantilevered, floating platform at sea.” Here guests can enjoy dinner and drinks while taking in the local landscapes. Additionally, the ships offer Infinite Veranda staterooms, where guests can blur the line ship and shore with just the touch of a button. Edge 6 will include these features as well as other innovative options.
“The strong ties between Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Royal Caribbean Group have led to the creation of the unique Edge Series design,” said Laurent Castaing, Chief Executive Officer, Chantiers de l’Atlantique. “This sixth ship marks the epitome of a pioneering series in the cruise industry that is both elegant, high-performing, and ever more innovative, notably thanks to its methanol capabilities.”
Royal Caribbean Group currently has eight newbuilds on order. In 2025, the company will welcome Royal Caribbean International’s Star of the Seas and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Xcel. This latest agreement is contingent on financing and other conditions.