Royal Caribbean Group (RCI) has signed a contract with Chantiers de l’Atlantique for a sixth ‘Edge’ class cruise ship to be delivered to Celebrity Cruises in 2028.
Edge 6 or ‘Xcel 2’ will be the sistership to ’Celebrity Xcel’, which is being fitted out at Saint Nazaire ready for her inaugural cruise later this year.
Other ‘Edge’ class ships include ’Celebrity Ascent’, ’Celebrity Beyond’, ’Celebrity Apex’, and ’Celebrity Edge’ – the first ship in the series, delivered in 2018.
“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,” said Jason Liberty, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group.
“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,” he said.
“’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’,” added Laura Hodges Bethge, Celebrity Cruises’ President.
“’Celebrity Xcel’ will take forward the best of ‘Edge’ series ships coupled with seven new experiences, all perfected with the help of our recently announced Xcel Dream Makers – an industry first programme enlisting the power of cruisers to make final decisions across culinary, interior design and entertainment,” she said.
Celebrity Cruises’ ‘Edge Series’ ships are fitted with innovative features like the patented Magic Carpet– the world’s first cantilevered, floating platform at sea. Other innovations introduced in the series, include patented Infinite Veranda staterooms.
The sixth ship will incorporate the series’ key features and will also feature other yet-to-be-announced innovations.
“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, Chantiers de l’Atlantique CEO.
“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.”
RCI’s newbuilding pipeline currently includes eight ships. This year, the company will welcome two new ships, including RCI’s ’Star of the Seas’ and ’Celebrity Xcel.’
The latest order is contingent upon customary conditions, including financing.
In addition, RCI has reported 2024 earnings per share of $10.94 and adjusted EPS of $11.80.
RCI said these results were better than its guidance. The strong demand for the company’s vacation experiences continued to accelerate into 2025 with adjusted EPS expected to be in the range of $14.35 to $14.65 per share.
“2024 was exceptional, thanks to our incredible team’s flawless execution, which drove elevated demand across our leading brands, the early achievement of our Trifecta goals, and meaningful progress on our strategic priorities,” said Liberty. “2025 is shaping up to be another great year, with expected adjusted earnings growth of 23%, as our commercial and vacation experiences flywheel continues to accelerate the growing preference for our leading brands, the most innovative ships and world-class private destinations.
“We are never satisfied with the status quo, and we are obsessed with delivering the best vacation experiences in the world and driving exceptional shareholder returns. Today’s launch of Celebrity River Cruises is an example of our commitment to deliver on that promise and ultimately capture a greater share of the $2 trill global vacation market,” he said.
The 2024 financial highlights included gross margin yields increasing by 23.8% as-reported. Net yields increased 11.6% in constant currency (11.5% as-reported).
Gross cruise costs per available passenger cruise day (APCD) increased 4.6% as-reported. Net cruise costs (NCC), excluding fuel, per APCD increased 6.8% in constant currency (6.8% as-reported).
Total revenues were $16.5 bill, net income was $2.9 bill or $10.94 per share, adjusted net income was $3.2 bill or $11.80 per share, and adjusted EBITDA was $6 bill.
Net Income for 4Q24 was $0.6 bill or $2.02 per share, compared to $0.3 bill or $1.06 per share for the same period in 2023. Adjusted net income was $0.4 bill or $1.63 per share, compared to $0.3 bill or $1.25 per share for the same period in the year before. The company also reported total revenues of $3.8 bill and adjusted EBITDA of $1.1 bill for the quarter.
RCI also announced the launch of Celebrity River Cruises, a premium river cruise vacation that will begin taking bookings this year.
The company has committed to an initial order for 10 river cruise ships and plans to start operations in 2027.
“We’re thrilled to announce our entry into the river cruise market through our Celebrity Cruises premium travel brand. Our guests and travel partners should expect us to do what we do best – innovate and elevate the river cruise experience as we meet the growing demand for intimate, culturally enriching travel experiences,” Liberty said.
Bethge added: “Celebrity River Cruises will bring the quality and sophistication of our ‘Edge’ series ocean ships to the most iconic rivers, starting with Europe.
“We’ve redefined travel on the ocean with our best-in-class hospitality, award-winning food and beverage experiences, and elevated design and style.
“We are thrilled to bring these experiences to the river and combine them with authentic, destination-rich itineraries that will give our guests an experience unlike any other,” she concluded.
