Despite the cruise shutdown, Celebrity Cruises has taken delivery of its newest ship—this one a virtual handover via video conference with officials of the French shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
Celebrity Apex, with capacity for 2,900 guests, is a sister to the innovative Celebrity Edge. In keeping with tradition, Capt. Dimitris Kafetzis ordered the exchange of the French and US flags, while each country’s national anthem played in the background.
“While the circumstances are quite unique right now, it’s fitting that such an innovative ship as Celebrity Apex would have a digital-age delivery,” Celebrity President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo said. “The day is every bit as meaningful because I know the dedication and commitment from the shipyard team, the on-board crew and our Celebrity shore- side team that went into bringing this ship to life.”
She also expressed ‘great anticipation’ for the first Celebrity Apex sailing from Barcelona, now scheduled for May 20. Inaugural festivities at Southampton were canceled earlier in light of the public health crisis. All ships in the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. group are laid up until at least May 12.
The hand-over came amid an outbreak of coronavirus cases among the crew, who have been aboard the ship for several weeks and not allowed ashore, in line with public health regulations aimed at stemming transmission. According to Saint-Nazaire regional television, 29 people had tested positive and one person was taken to a local hospital with breathing problems.
