Royal Caribbean orders sixth Edge-class cruise ship in France

January 22, 2025, by Naida Hakirevic Prevljak

Florida-based cruise holding company Royal Caribbean Group has signed an agreement with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique to construct a sixth Edge-series ship.

Illustration. Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

The cruise vessel is planned to be delivered to Royal Caribbean’s cruise line Celebrity Cruises in 2028.

Edge 6 or “Xcel 2” will be the sister ship to methanol-capable, billion-dollar Celebrity Xcel, which is preparing to take its inaugural sail later this year. Construction on the fifth ship from the batch began last summer at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.

Keel laid for methanol-capable Celebrity Xcel

Vessels

As informed, Celebrity Xcel reached a major milestone on January 18, floating out of dry dock at the French shipyard.

The ‘innovative’ ship is expected to advance Royal Caribbean Group’s commitment to sustaining the planet with the first tri-fuel capable engine, representing an important steppingstone on the company’s journey to Destination Net Zero, its vision for net-zero emissions by 2050.

Royal Caribbean unveils Destination Net Zero strategy

Transition

Other Edge class ships include Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Apex, and Celebrity Edge – the first ship in the series that was delivered in 2018.

“Celebrity Xcel will be the happy place of vacationers globally when she launches in November and we’re thrilled to be making this commitment to bring her a sister ship in Edge 6,” Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, commented.

“The strong ties between Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Royal Caribbean Group have led to the creation of the unique Edge Series design,” Laurent Castaing, Chief Executive Officer, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, said.

“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.”

According to Royal Caribbean, the agreement is contingent upon customary conditions, including financing.

Royal Caribbean Group’s newbuild pipeline currently includes a total of eight ships on order. This year, the company will welcome two new ships including Royal Caribbean’s LNG-fueled Star of the Seas and Celebrity Xcel.