Celebrity Cruises has held the steel-cutting ceremony for the line’s fourth Edge-series ship – Celebrity Ascent.

The first piece of steel for the vessel was cut at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France, on Wednesday (November 17).

Celebrity Ascent is scheduled to launch in early 2023.

Speaking from the shipyard, Richard Fain, chairman and chief executive of the Royal Caribbean Group, said: “The name of this new ship is very apropos as the industry rebounds.

“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.”

Celebrity Cruises president and chief executive Lisa Lutoff-Perlo said: “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 signalling the bright future that lies ahead.

“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.”