Celebrity Xcel finishes ‘milestone’ sea trials

Celebrity Cruises’s new vessel Celebrity Xcel has completed initial sea trials ahead of its maiden voyage in November.

The “major milestone” was reached with the ship completing its first ocean sailing on Saturday (September 13).   

The 3,950-passenger capacity vessel completed a series of manoeuvres designed to test the its functional and operational capabilities near the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France it has been under construction.  

The fifth ship in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series, Celebrity Xcel makes it debut from Fort Lauderdale, running seven-night itineraries alternating between The Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, and Puerto Plata, St Thomas and St Maarten. 

Celebrity Xcel will sail on its inaugural European season next summer on seven-to 11-night cruises from Barcelona and Athens, including new overnight stays in Madeira.