By
Alex Smith |
Celebrity Cruises has marked the beginning of construction for Celebrity Beyond, the third ship in the line’s Edge class, with the ceremonial cutting of the first piece of steel at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.
“Celebrity Beyond is the perfect natural next step in the Edge Series,” said Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL). “The Edge Series is all about innovation and pushing beyond boundaries and convention, and Celebrity Beyond will continue this legacy.”
Alongside Fain, the ceremony was also attended by Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises; Laurent Castaing, general manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique; and Harri Kulovaara, executive vice president of maritime and newbuilding for RCL. The executives signed the commemorative piece of steel, cut into the shape of the ship
"This is a new milestone in the long success story we have with RCL and Celebrity," said Castaing. "Celebrity Beyond will be the symbol of this cooperation based on mutual trust and our common innovation spirit."
The ceremony followed a tour of sister ship Celebrity Apex, attended by ICFR. The second ship in the Edge class is set to debut at Southampton in April 2020, when she will become the first Celebrity Cruises ship to be launched in the UK in over a decade. Celebrity Beyond is expected to join her after delivery in autumn 2021.
“With the launch of our Edge Series, Celebrity Cruises redefined modern cruising. Celebrity Edge impressed the world with its outward-facing design and innovation; Celebrity Apex takes the onboard vacation experience to the pinnacle; and now with Celebrity Beyond, we’re charting new territory once again,” said Lutoff-Perlo. “While we can’t say much just yet, with Celebrity Beyond three’s a charm.”