Celebrity Beyond
Celebrity Beyond is a cruise ship owned by Celebrity Cruises, taking its name from the company's slogan. The third in the Edge-class, the ship was constructed at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard, and entered service in April 2022. The ship is captained by Kate McCue.[3]
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| History | |
|---|---|
 Malta | |
| Name | Celebrity Beyond |
| Owner | Royal Caribbean Group |
| Operator | Celebrity Cruises |
| Port of registry | Valletta, Malta |
| Ordered | 16 May 2016[1] |
| Builder | Chantiers de l'Atlantique |
| Yard number | L34 |
| Laid down | 5 October 2018[1] |
| Launched | 31 March 2021[2][1] |
| Sponsored by | Simone Biles |
| Christened | 4 November 2022 |
| Acquired | 6 April 2022[1] |
| Maiden voyage | 27 April 2022 |
| In service | 21 April 2022 |
| Identification |
|
| Status | In service |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Edge-class cruise ship |
| Type | Cruise Ship |
| Tonnage | 141,420 GT[1] |
| Length | 326.5 m (1,071 ft)[1] |
| Beam | 39.5 m (130 ft)[1] |
| Height | 57.9m (New Panamax) |
| Draught | 8.5 m (28 ft)[1] |
| Decks | 21 |
| Installed power |
|
| Propulsion | 2 × ABB Azipod 4x Tunnel Thruster |
| Speed | 22.6 kn (41.9 km/h; 26.0 mph) |
| Capacity |
|
| Crew | 1416 |
History
Planning
On 25 May 2016, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., parent company of Celebrity, announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with the STX Corporation (then owners of Chantiers) for the third and fourth ships of the Edge class.[4]
Construction
Steel cutting for Celebrity Beyond occurred on 28 January 2020,[5] at which point Celebrity confirmed the ship's name. At the same time, it was reported that the ship, and sister ship Celebrity Ascent would be an evolution in the Edge class design and feature an increase in gross tonnage, length, and passenger capacity.[6]
In August 2020, it was announced that the delivery of Beyond (as well as that of Wonder of the Seas) would be delayed by approximately 10 months due to shipyard closures and delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. [7]
On 19 November 2020, the keel for Celebrity Beyond was laid down.[8]
Maiden Voyage
The ship arrived in Southampton on 21 April 2022 for its maiden voyage on 27 April to Barcelona. This initial itinerary called at La Rochelle, Bilbao, Lisbon, Cadiz, Malaga, Palma and concluded in Barcelona. [9]
On May 10, 2022, Celebrity Cruises announced that gymnast Simone Biles will be the godmother of the ship. The christening ceremony was held in Florida on November 4, 2022.
Kate McCue is the current Captain of Celebrity Beyond and she often brings to the bridge her Sphynx cat named Bug Naked, whose semi-official title on board is “Maneuvering Support Mammal”. Captain Kate McCue is also the first American Woman to Captain a "Mega" Cruise Ship.
Facilities
Like the other Edge-class ships, Celebrity Beyond features Eden, a 270 degree, three-deck observation lounge,[10] which features a ramp connecting decks 5 and 6, in addition to a cafe, a bar, and a dining venue.
Like the other ships in the Edge class, Celebrity Beyond is fitted with the Magic Carpet tender dock, designed to prevent hull collisions while anchored offshore. While sailing, the Magic Carpet is equipped with a bar and can be used as a patio,[11] when positioned at three different decks (Decks 5, 14, and 16).
The ship also features a spa and a fitness centre that overlooks the sea from above the wheelhouse
Beyond was the first in the Celebrity fleet to be equipped with SpaceX Starlink internet connections. The service launched on the September 5, 2022 Celebrate With the CEO cruise. [12]
References
- "Celebrity Beyond (35380)". DNV Vessel Register. DNV. Retrieved 26 April 2022.
- "EN IMAGES. Saint-Nazaire : le paquebot Celebrity Beyond a pris la place du Virtuosa" (in French). 2021-04-01. Retrieved 2021-04-01.
- "Royal Caribbean Newbuilds Will be Delayed". 10 August 2020.
- "Royal Caribbean Orders Three New Ships". Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. 25 May 2016. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
- "Celebrity Cuts Steel and Names New Ship Celebrity Beyond". Cruise Industry News. 29 January 2020. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
- Groizeleau, Vincent (29 January 2020). "Saint-Nazaire : la construction du premier Edge Jumbo a débuté". Mer et Marine (in French). Retrieved 7 July 2020.
- "Celebrity Beyond, Wonder of the Seas delayed to 2022". seatrade-cruise.com. 2020-08-10. Retrieved 2020-09-23.
- Young, Susan J. (19 November 2020). "Celebrity Cruises Celebrates Keel Laying For Celebrity Beyond". Travel Agent Central. Questex. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
- "Celebrity Beyond Arrives in UK". 21 April 2022.
- Saltzman, Dori (27 June 2017). "Celebrity Edge to Feature Three-Deck High Eden Lounge". Cruise Critic. The Independent Traveler. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
- Saltzman, Dori (8 January 2020). "Celebrity Cruises' Magic Carpet on Celebrity Edge". Cruise Critic. The Independent Traveler. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
- "Celebrity Beyond To Be First Celebrity Cruises Ship To Offer Starlink Internet". Crew Center. 2022-09-02. Retrieved 2022-09-10.