Santo Domingo – Celebrity Cruises has officially welcomed its newest vessel, the Celebrity Xcel, at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The ship is scheduled to commence operations in November 2024, offering seven innovative onboard spaces and a series of seven-night inaugural voyages from Fort Lauderdale. These itineraries will alternate between destinations such as the Bahamas, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, and Caribbean hotspots including Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. In a strategic expansion, the Celebrity Xcel will make its European debut in summer 2026, featuring seven- to 11-night Mediterranean cruises departing from Barcelona and Athens. These voyages will introduce new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal, enhancing the travel experience. Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, hailed the Celebrity Xcel as a transformative milestone in premium travel, emphasizing the Edge Series’ cutting-edge design and unparalleled onboard offerings. Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, highlighted the ship’s guest-centric development through the Xcel Dream Makers program, ensuring a tailored and exceptional experience for global travelers.