Celebrity Cruises has unveiled plans to build two ships, part of a new Edge class, the first of which will operate from the UK.
The move was confirmed by Celebrity president Michael Bayley before this week’s announcement of his move to head sister operator Royal Caribbean International.
The first of Celebrity’s two ‘Project Edge’ ships, due for delivery in autumn 2018, is likely to make its inaugural call in the UK to be presented to top agents.
The second ship is due to be delivered in early 2020.
The 2,900-passenger vessels “will deliver small-ship itineraries with large-ship amenities”, the company said.
Bayley said: “An Edge [ship] will be a world traveller. It will take affluent travellers to all the continents of the world in the most unusual and unique way.
“It is a destination ship and we will definitely be offering sailings from the UK on her as she travels around the world.”
Bayley said itineraries had not yet been decided, but new features, as well as “luxurious accommodation, the finest culinary experiences and the best hospitality”, would allow Celebrity to command a higher price point for Edge sailings.
He said: “Pricing always finds its natural place but, with things on Edge that are genuinely exceptional, we believe it could be priced quite high.”
Bayley revealed bookings for Edge will open earlier than usual for a new ship with itineraries going on sale by the end of 2015.
Celebrity’s UK and Ireland trade sales team will start to speak to agents about Edge as soon as the early year sales push is over next year, said Bayley.
Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, executive vice-president of operations at Royal Caribbean, will take Bayley’s role of president and chief executive at Celebrity.