By
Rebecca Gibson |
Shipbuilder Chantiers de l'Atlantique has laid the first keel block for Celebrity Cruises’ third Edge Series ship, Celebrity Beyond, at its yard in Saint Nazaire, France.
Representatives of the shipyard joined Celebrity Cruises executives to mark the milestone with a traditional coin ceremony, which is thought to bring good fortune to both the ship and her future guests and crew. The coin used in the ceremony was from the American Innovation dollar series, which honours Annie Jump Cannon, the daughter of an American shipbuilder, suffragist and astronomer credited with developing contemporary stellar classification.
The coin was placed under the first keel block by Tobias King, project manager for Celebrity Cruises, and Sébastien Le Boulluec, project manager for the Edge Series at Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
“This event is a new milestone in the success story we have been sharing for decades with Royal Caribbean Group and Celebrity Cruises,” said Laurent Castaing, general manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique. “Together, once again, we will be striving for excellence, to add a third gem to the prestigious Celebrity Edge Series.”
Celebrity Beyond, which is expected to be delivered in spring 2022, is the third in a series of five Edge-class vessels. The first, Celebrity Edge, debuted in December 2018, while the second, Celebrity Apex, was delivered in March 2020 after successfully completing sea trials. Two yet-to-be-named sister ships will follow later.
“This is a proud and exciting moment because Celebrity Beyond will continue to elevate an already incredibly innovative and transformative series of ships for our brand – and the industry,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. “I thank all of my amazing colleagues and our incredible partners at the shipyard for moving us one step closer to bringing Celebrity Beyond to life. We have some special surprises planned with Celebrity Beyond and I really can’t wait to share her with the world.”
Richard Fain, chairman of the Royal Caribbean Group, parent company of Celebrity Cruises, said: “Celebrity Beyond signals that as we prepare to return to service, we do so confidently and with great optimism about the future."