Celebrity Cruises continues its meteoric rise with the ceremonial first cut of steel for the Celebrity Ascent – the fourth Edge class ship which will make her debut in 2023.

Ascent is under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.

The billion-dollar 16-deck ships with their famous orange Magic Carpet platform have transformed the brand from upper premium to luxury, with a new emphasis on food and service.

“The name of this new ship is very apropriate as the industry rebounds, but also as Celebrity continues to lead the industry as an unmatched new-luxury brand and cruise line,” said Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO of the Royal Caribbean Group, the parent company of Celebrity Cruises.

“Celebrity Ascent will take the industry to new heights as it pushes the boundaries of what people can experience on a ship and how they experience it.”

“What another wonderful moment for our brand, our company and our industry to be in this incredible shipyard making the traditional first cut of steel on this magnificent ship and signaling the bright future that lies ahead,” said Ms Lutoff-Perlo.

“While I wish I could share what we have in store for this ship, I can tell you our Ascent will be Celebrity Beyond’s sister ship in every way, and then some.”

Also at the launch was Celebrity’s Captain Kate McCue – one of the line’s best ambassadors.

We can share a little of what’s inside.  A look at the Celebrity Apex appears in the latest edition of Cruise Passenger magazine – and will be online shortly.