Janaína Torres Honored as Godmother of the Celebrity Xcel Ship

Celebrity Cruises has appointed Brazilian chef Janaína Torres as the godmother of its new ship, Celebrity Xcel. This marks a historic occasion as she is the first Brazilian chef to hold this title for a major cruise line. The announcement coincides with her recognition as the World’s Best Female Chef for 2024 by the World’s 50 Best.

Torres’ culinary philosophy is notable for its innovative, zero-waste approach that blends cultural heritage with thoughtful practices, which aligns with Celebrity’s mission of providing authentic dining experiences at sea. The cruise line highlighted its shared dedication with Torres to celebrate culture through culinary arts, emphasizing the use of locally sourced sustainable ingredients and high-quality service to create memorable dining moments.

Celebrity’s president noted that Torres embodies their values and will guide the onboard community, fulfilling the traditional role of a godmother, which symbolizes protection and good fortune for both crew and passengers.

Torres is set to officiate the christening of Celebrity Xcel on November 16 during her official naming ceremony. After that, the ship will begin its maiden season from Fort Lauderdale, offering alternating 7-night Caribbean cruises that will visit The Bahamas, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. In 2026, Celebrity Xcel will feature Mediterranean voyages ranging from 7 to 11 nights, departing from Barcelona and Athens, with new overnight stops in Madeira, Portugal.

For more information, visit Celebrity Cruises and the ship’s page Celebrity Xcel.

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