Today, the ceremonial keel laying took place for Celebrity Edge in Saint-Nazaire, France setting the foundation for the ship's innovative new structure. 

An 875 ton block was lifted in the air and a lucky coin was placed in the dock before the block was lowered into position. With the solid foundation in place, the building blocks can be joined together to create the ship of the future. Leaders from both Celebrity Cruises and STX France were at the event to celebrate the next stage of the ship's evolution. 

Celebrity Edge will homeport in Fort Lauderdale, FL, making her first sailing 16 December, 2018. 

Bookings are now open at www.celebritycruises.com.au or through a travel agent, for the ship's two 7-night itineraries: an eastern and western Caribbean. Guests will also have the option to book back-to-back sailings for a 14-night journey. Celebrity Edge will be joined by three sister ships in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

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About Celebrity CruisesCelebrity Cruises' iconic "X" is the mark of modern luxury, with its cool, contemporary design and warm spaces; dining experiences where the design of the venues is as important as the cuisine; and the amazing service that only Celebrity can provide, all created to provide an unmatchable experience for holiday makers' precious time. Celebrity Cruises' 12 ships offer modern luxury holidays visiting all seven continents. Celebrity also presents incredible cruise tour experiences in Alaska and Canada. Celebrity is one of five cruise brands operated by global cruise company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL). For more information, visit www.celebritycruises.com.au, phone 1800 754 500 or see your local travel agent. 

About RCL Cruises Ltd Australia:RCL Cruises Ltd Australia commenced operation in December 2008 as the Australian arm of global cruise holiday company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. The company offers three cruise brands in Australia and New Zealand: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises.  In the 2017/2018 cruise season Royal Caribbean International retains its position as the largest cruise brand in Australia, with a fleet of four incredible ships sailing in the region including Australia's biggest, newest and most modern cruise ship, US$1 billion Ovation of the Seas, South Pacific sisters Explorer of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas and culinary favourite Radiance of the Seas home porting in Sydney. Australia's highest rated cruise ship Celebrity Solstice will also sail her sixth local season out of Sydney, while Azamara Club Cruises' boutique Azamara Journey  will return for a second season, visiting the west coast of Australia for the first time. 

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