Celebrity Cruises has offered the first glimpse of what will be the brand’s first ship in a new class in more than ten years, as Celebrity Edge floated out of her dry dock at the STX France shipyard. “This truly is an exciting moment for our brand,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president, Celebrity Cruises.

Celebrity Cruises has unveiled Celebrity Flora, a marine exploration boat designed expressly for the Galapagos Islands. One of the most energy-efficient ship of its size in the diverse archipelago, the 100-guest Celebrity Flora will offer seamless sea-to-shore transportation, and includes anchorless technology that maintains the ship’s position while protecting the sensitive sea floor.

Celebrity Cruises has signed a partnership with Regional Maritime University in Ghana. For the first time in cruise industry history, female bridge officers will be openly recruited from a West African country through a new Celebrity Cadet Programme in partnership with RMU.

Celebrity Cruises has appointed Zoe Edwards to the role of strategic account manager, following the recent promotion of Nicola McNeish to head of sales. Edwards will report to director of sales, Claire Stirrup.

The next generation of cruise ships moved from concept to construction earlier, as the first piece of steel was cut at the STX France shipyard for Celebrity Cruises’ newest, and boldest, ship. The ship will be called Celebrity Edge, befitting the many daring design advances and innovations of Celebrity Cruises’ first new ship class since 2008.

Celebrity Cruises is building on its multi-million dollar refurbishment programme by making even more upgrades to two ships – Celebrity Infinity and Celebrity Summit. New features will include a brand new ‘Rooftop Terrace’ venue, upgrades to the Suite Class experience and the addition of one of Celebrity Cruises’ signature speciality restaurants, Tuscan Grille.