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Work has started on the first of a new class of ship for Celebrity Cruises.

The first piece of steel was cut at the STX shipyard in France on the Celebrity Edge.

The line also named a second vessel in the series as Celebrity Beyond.

The line expects delivery of Celebrity Edge in autumn 2018, followed by Celebrity Beyond in spring 2020.

Third and fourth Edge-class ships are planned for autumn 2021 and 2022.

Richard Fain, chairman and chief executive of parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises, said: "Edge class is destined to be a trailblazer in modern luxury travel.

"The new ships will be on the cutting edge of innovation and the leading edge of design, so the ship names are spot on and offer a sense of how Celebrity Cruises is looking into the future."

Celebrity Cruises’ president and chief executive Lisa Lutoff-Perlo said: "We set the bar high for the architects and designers on Edge class, and we were rewarded with a stunning design.

“Cutting the ship's first piece of steel is the traditional first step in the shipbuilding process, and I'm excited to see our dreams turn into reality over the next 24 months."

She added: "We are excited to reveal more details soon, and travellers, trade partners and enthusiasts alike will not be disappointed - this ship is going to be amazing."

Laurent Castaing, general manager of STX France, said: "Everyone involved in Edge has embraced the challenge of making this new class of ships dramatic and special, and we take great pride in helping Celebrity Cruises take such a remarkable step forward in