The first piece of steel for Edge was cut yesterday at the STX France shipyard, with the ship expected for delivery in autumn 2018.

Celebrity Beyond is scheduled for launch in spring 2020.

The third and fourth ships in the Edge class will then be delivered in autumn 2021 and autumn 2022.

Richard Fain, chairman and chief executive of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, said: "Edge class is destined to be a trailblazer in modern luxury travel.

“The new ships will be on the cutting edge of innovation and the leading edge of design, so the ship names are spot on and offer a sense of how Celebrity Cruises is looking into the future.”

Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Celebrity Cruises’ president and chief executive, added: "We set the bar high for the architects and designers on Edge class, and we were rewarded with a stunning design… I’m excited to see our dreams turn into reality over the next 24 months.

"We are excited to reveal more details soon, and travellers, trade partners and enthusiasts alike will not be disappointed — this ship is going to be amazing."