Celebrity Xcel Successfully Completes Sea Trials Near Saint-Nazaire

Celebrity Cruises’ latest ship, Celebrity Xcel, successfully concluded its initial sea trials in Saint-Nazaire, France, on September 13, 2025. This marks a pivotal step toward preparing the vessel for its scheduled debut in November.

Under the experienced command of Captain Kyriakos Matragkas, the trials included a series of assessments aimed at evaluating the ship’s maneuverability and operational capabilities. The successful completion of these tests keeps Celebrity Xcel on track for its anticipated launch.

As the fifth ship in Celebrity’s EDGE series, Celebrity Xcel boasts modern design features, upgraded accommodations, and seven newly introduced passenger areas. Following its outfitting at the Saint-Nazaire shipyard, the vessel is set to reposition to Fort Lauderdale. Here, it will embark on seven-night Caribbean itineraries, stopping at destinations including The Bahamas, Mexico, Grand Cayman, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.

Looking ahead, the deployment schedule for Celebrity Xcel includes a European itinerary during the summer of 2026, which will feature Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona and Athens. These sailings will last between seven to eleven nights, incorporating innovative overnight calls at Madeira, Portugal.

Set sail on a voyage of discovery with CruiseShip.net – your ultimate destination for all things cruising! Explore the latest news, insightful reviews, and thrilling cruising adventures from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, CruiseShip.net is your go-to source for expert advice, insider tips, and inspiring stories to fuel your wanderlust. Embark on a journey like no other with CruiseShip.net – where every wave brings new excitement and endless possibilities on the high seas.