Celebrity Cruises has reached a milestone in the construction of the next ship in its Edge class series.
A traditional coin ceremony, meant to bring the ship good fortune, was held at a shipyard in France as the keel was laid for newbuild Celebrity Beyond.
The vessel is due to enter service in spring 2022, joining sister ships Celebrity Apex and Edge.
Richard Fain, president and chief executive of parent company Royal Caribbean Group, said: “In a year that has continuously tested the strength of our industry, it is encouraging that we move forward with building Celebrity Beyond.
“Celebrity Beyond signals that as we prepare to return to service, we do so confidently and with great optimism about the future.”
Celebrity Cruises president and chief executive Lisa Lutoff-Perlo added: “This is a proud and exciting moment because Celebrity Beyond will continue to elevate an already incredibly innovative and transformative series of ships for our brand and the industry.”
Laurent Castaing, general manager of the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St Nazaire, said: “This event is a new milestone in the success story we have been sharing for decades with Royal Caribbean Group and Celebrity Cruises.
“Together, once again, we will be striving for excellence, to add a third gem to the prestigious Celebrity Edge series.”