Royal Caribbean Group Signs Agreement with Chantiers de l'Atlantique for Sixth Edge Series Ship
Rhea-AI Summary
Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) has signed an agreement with Chantiers de l'Atlantique to order a sixth Edge Series ship for Celebrity Cruises, scheduled for delivery in 2028. The new vessel, known as Edge 6 or 'Xcel 2', will be a sister ship to Celebrity Xcel, which launches in November 2024.
The Edge Series, which began with Celebrity Edge in 2018, includes Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Apex, and the upcoming Celebrity Xcel. These ships feature innovative designs like the Magic Carpet® floating platform and Infinite Veranda® staterooms that blur the lines between ship and shore.
This order adds to Royal Caribbean Group's newbuild pipeline of eight ships. The company will welcome two new vessels in 2024: Royal Caribbean International's Star of the Seas and Celebrity Xcel. The agreement is subject to customary conditions, including financing.
Positive
- Expanding fleet with new ship delivery in 2028
- Demonstrates continued investment in premium segment
- Maintains moderate capacity growth strategy
- Features methanol capabilities for improved environmental performance
Negative
- Significant capital expenditure required
- Subject to financing conditions
- Long lead time until revenue generation (2028 delivery)
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, RCL declined 2.93%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
"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."
"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," said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. "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 program enlisting the power of cruisers to make final decisions across culinary, interior design and entertainment."
Celebrity Cruises' Edge Series ships transformed guest's experience by bringing them closer to destinations with state-of-the-art features like the iconic Magic Carpet® – the world's first cantilevered, floating platform at sea – offering a unique way to dine, drink and connect with destinations, or take in the dramatic local landscapes. Other innovations introduced by Celebrity's Edge Series ships include Infinite Veranda® staterooms, which erase the boundaries between ship and shore. The sixth ship in the lineup will incorporate the series' key features and make room for 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, Chief Executive Officer, Chantiers de l'Atlantique. "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."
Royal Caribbean Group's newbuild pipeline currently includes a total of eight ships on order. This year, the company will welcome two new ships including Royal Caribbean International's Star of the Seas and Celebrity Xcel. With this announcement, Royal Caribbean Group continues to drive its moderate capacity growth to help guests turn a vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.
This agreement is contingent upon customary conditions, including financing.
For more information on Royal Caribbean Group and its brands, visit royalcaribbeangroup.com.
About Royal Caribbean Group
Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) is a vacation industry leader with a global fleet of 66 ships across its five brands traveling to approximately 1,000 destinations. With a mission to deliver the best vacations responsibly, Royal Caribbean Group serves millions of guests each year through its portfolio of best-in-class brands, including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea; and expanding portfolio of land-based vacation experiences through Perfect Day at CocoCay and Royal Beach Club collection. The company also owns
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SOURCE Royal Caribbean Group
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