Shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique of Saint-Nazaire, France, has handed over Celebrity Cruises’ ‘Celebrity Beyond’, in what is thought to be the industry’s first physical delivery ceremony since the start of the pandemic.
Celebrity Beyond is the third, and largest, ship in the fleet’s Edge series, aimed at the super-luxury end of the cruise market.
Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty said: “The delivery of Celebrity Beyond today marks our ongoing commitment to growth and innovation; today, we celebrate the future of travel and its possibilities. This incredible ship, on this long-awaited day, signifies our commitment to investing in the future of the travel industry, as well as the ship building industry in Europe. We are so grateful to the Chantiers de l’Atlantique team; our own Newbuild and Celebrity Cruises team; our loyal guests and trade partners, and everyone who has contributed their time, resources, creativity and loyalty. We look forward to what’s to come as the travel industry grows to new peaks.”
Laurent Castaing, GM Chantiers de l’Atlantique, said: “Celebrity Beyond is a true new ship. We have worked hard, in a spirit of strong collaboration and even during the pandemic, to achieve this result. Celebrity Beyond is one of the exceptional ships that will be remembered.”
Celebrity Beyond will first go into service in the Mediterranean, following a Western European cruise from Southampton to Barcelona, and will transfer to the US later in 2022.
