Shortly after its introduction into the fleet, a variant of the Excelsior was introduced that featured enhanced command and control abilities and a heavier arsenal. These "command cruisers" were not very common, but those produced usually served in strategic sectors leading other Starfleet vessels in defense of the Federation. The Enterprise-B was one of these vessels. Following the introduction of the Ambassador Heavy Cruiser, the Excelsior Command Cruiser fell out of favor with the admiralty and was eventually relegated to the same position as other Excelsior Cruisers.