French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique has held a coin ceremony for Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Beyond Edge-Class cruise ship.
The coin ceremony is meant to bring the ship good fortune and coincided with the laying of a keel block for Celebrity Beyond.
“In a year that has continuously tested the strength of our industry, it is encouraging that we move forward with building Celebrity Beyond,” explained Richard Fain , Chairman of the Royal Caribbean Group, parent company of Celebrity Cruises.
“Celebrity Beyond signals that as we prepare to return to service, we do so confidently and with great optimism about the future. ”
The steel cutting ceremony for the 140,600 GT newbuild was held in Saint-Nazaire on January 29, 2020.
Celebrity Beyond joins two Edge Series ships, Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex.
The vessel is anticipated to be delivered in spring 2022.
COVID-19 impact
Royal Caribbean Group suspended its global cruise operations in March due to COVID-19 pandemic resulting in significant losses.
The group reported an adjusted net loss of $ 1.2 billion for the third quarter of 2020 compared to an adjusted net income of $ 896.8 million in the prior year.
Royal Caribbean resumed limited cruise operations outside of the U.S. in July with three vessels from TUI cruises and two vessels from Hapag Lloyd, and in September, for a limited period, with one Silversea ship.
“The company continues to work with government and health authorities across the globe to address the unique public health challenges posed by COVID-19 and expects to re-start its global cruise operation in a phased manner,” the group said.
Recently, the company received approval to sail from the Singaporean Government. As a result, the Quantum of the Seas , a ship from the Royal Caribbean International fleet, is expected to resume cruising from Singapore in December 2020.
These initial cruises will most likely take place with reduced guest occupancy, modified itineraries and enhanced health protocols developed in collaboration with governments and health authorities.