Chef Janaína Torres Named Godmother of Celebrity Xcel, Championing Culinary Innovation

Celebrity Cruises has announced that Brazilian chef Janaína Torres will serve as godmother of its newest Edge-class ship, Celebrity Xcel. Torres, recently named Best Female Chef in the World 2024 by the World's 50 Best organization, is globally recognized for her innovative no-waste culinary approach that blends heritage with purpose. Her appointment underscores the cruise line's commitment to celebrating global culture and elevating onboard culinary experiences.

Janaína Torres: A Culinary Visionary

Torres is the co-owner of the internationally acclaimed São Paulo restaurant A Casa do Porco, ranked among the top restaurants worldwide. She is celebrated for her sustainable cooking practices and the philosophy that fine dining should be accessible to everyone. Speaking on her selection, Torres shared, “Food brings us together, connecting us through new flavors, traditions, and shared memories.” Additionally, Torres has launched À Brasileira, a cultural initiative dedicated to promoting Brazilian cuisine and traditions globally.

This honorary appointment aligns Torres with other celebrity godmothers of Celebrity Cruises vessels, including Nobel Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, who christened Celebrity Edge, and Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, godmother of Celebrity Beyond.

Official Naming Ceremony and Key Milestones

The naming ceremony for Celebrity Xcel is set to take place on November 16, 2025, at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. During the event, Torres will christen the 3,260-passenger ship before it embarks on its inaugural season. The ship is currently under construction in France and is expected to feature cutting-edge design and facilities.

• Preview voyage: November 9, 2025, departing from Fort Lauderdale.
• Official christening and naming ceremony: November 16, 2025, at Port Everglades.
• Maiden voyage: November 18, 2025, visiting Bimini and Cozumel.

Caribbean Itineraries

As part of its debut season, Celebrity Xcel will offer seven-night itineraries through the Caribbean. These cruises will originate from Fort Lauderdale and include stops at several marquee destinations.

• Western Caribbean: The Bahamas, Mexico, and Grand Cayman.
• Eastern Caribbean: Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.

European Deployment Begins Summer 2026

Looking ahead to the summer of 2026, Celebrity Xcel will transition to European waters, offering dynamic Mediterranean itineraries. These sailings will depart from Barcelona and Athens, with new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal, providing passengers with immersive cultural and culinary experiences.

The Bazaar: A Culinary and Cultural Showcase

Celebrity Xcel will feature The Bazaar, an innovative onboard venue designed to reflect Torres’s philosophy of connecting people through accessible fine dining. This space will spotlight authentic regional cuisine, local flavors, and engaging food-themed entertainment that deepens passengers’ connections to the destinations they visit. Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, remarked, “Janaína shares our commitment to celebrating and sharing global culture through elevated culinary experiences. We’re honored to have her as the godmother of Celebrity Xcel, a ship that will showcase the best of our culinary vision on a global stage.”

Celebrity Cruises continues to position dining experiences as a cornerstone of its Edge-class vessels, with Torres’s influence further enhancing its focus on sustainable, destination-led cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is Janaína Torres?

Janaína Torres is a highly acclaimed Brazilian chef and co-owner of A Casa do Porco, a São Paulo-based restaurant celebrated for its sustainable, no-waste culinary practices. She was named Best Female Chef in the World 2024 by World's 50 Best.

When will Celebrity Xcel's naming ceremony occur?

The christening and naming ceremony are scheduled for November 16, 2025, at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

What itineraries will Celebrity Xcel offer from Fort Lauderdale?

During its inaugural season, the ship will sail seven-night Caribbean cruises, visiting destinations such as The Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.

What makes The Bazaar onboard Celebrity Xcel unique?

The Bazaar is a dining venue that emphasizes local and authentic cuisines, culturally immersive programming, and entertainment, aligning with Torres’s philosophy of making fine dining approachable and globally inclusive.

Where will Celebrity Xcel sail in summer 2026?

The ship will operate Mediterranean itineraries with departures from Barcelona and Athens, featuring new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.