by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 10:50 AM ET, Mon August 25, 2025
Calling all foodies: Celebrity Cruises has selected Janaína Torres to be the godmother of its new ship Celebrity Xcel.
The Brazilian chef was named Best Female Chef in the World 2024 by World’s 50 Best, and she shares the cruise line’s commitment to “celebrating and sharing global culture through elevated culinary experiences, connecting diners with culture through unique food experiences,” says Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises.
Celebrity Xcel is scheduled to debut in November and will spend its inaugural season sailing from Fort Lauderdale. The vessel will offer 7-night itineraries to destinations in The Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Then, in the summer of 2026, Celebrity Xcel will head to Europe for 7-to11-night journeys out of Barcelona and Athens, including all new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.
The ship will emphasize destination-inspired culinary experiences through The Bazaar, a venue designed to erase the line between ship and shore through local and authentic food, entertainment and activities.
Torres will christen the vessel during a traditional ceremony on November 16, ushering in good fortune and protection for the crew and every guest on board.
Torres co-owns the award-winning restaurant A Casa do Porco in São Paulo, Brazil. She’s a leading figure in Brazil’s culinary scene and a champion of Latin American culture and cuisine more broadly. Torres oversees a range of hospitality venues and recently launched a broad gastronomic-cultural project for researching, valuing and promoting Brazilian culture through food, À Brasileira.
“I've always believed that fine dining should be accessible, not intimidating,” says Torres. “Food brings us together, connecting us through new flavors, traditions, and shared memories. I’m proud to partner with Celebrity Cruises to showcase our culture and cuisine on a global stage.”
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