Celebrity Cruises has announced that Brazilian chef Janaina Torres will serve as the godmother of its newest ship, Celebrity Xcel. Torres, who was named Best Female Chef in the World 2024 by The World’s 50 Best, is celebrated for her no-waste approach to cooking that blends heritage with purpose.
“We are honored for Chef Torres, a trailblazer in the culinary industry, to be the godmother of Celebrity Xcel,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises.
Who is Janaina Torres?
Chef Janaina Torres has been called a trailblazer for good reason. Known in Brazil and beyond for championing culinary traditions while pushing boundaries, she’s built her reputation by blending heritage recipes with modern techniques and by making space for underrepresented voices in the food industry. Beyond her work in the kitchen, she’s a passionate advocate for women in hospitality and for celebrating cultural identity through cuisine. This fearless approach to food and leadership is exactly what makes her a fitting and inspiring choice as the godmother of Celebrity Xcel.
“I’ve always believed that fine dining should be accessible, not intimidating. Food brings us together, connecting us through new flavors, traditions and shared memories,” said Torres. “I’m proud to partner with Celebrity Cruises to showcase our culture and cuisine on a global stage.”
About Celebrity Xcel and the Edge-Class
Celebrity Xcel is the fifth ship in Celebrity’s award-winning Edge-class series, following the highly acclaimed Celebrity Edge, Apex, Beyond, and Ascent. The Edge-class ships are known for their innovative design, outward-facing architecture, and groundbreaking experiences at sea, including the Magic Carpet, Infinite Veranda staterooms, and world-class dining. With Xcel, Celebrity promises to push the boundaries of modern luxury cruising even further.
Where Celebrity Xcel Will Sail
From November 2025, Celebrity Xcel will begin her inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale, offering seven-night itineraries that alternate between The Bahamas, Mexico, Grand Cayman, and Puerto Plata, as well as sailings to St. Thomas and St. Maarten.
Looking further ahead, in Summer 2026, she will embark on her first European season, sailing the Mediterranean on seven- to 11-night itineraries out of Barcelona and Athens. Highlights include new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal, giving guests even more time to immerse themselves in the destination.
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