THE WORLD'S BEST FEMALE CHEF, JANAÍNA TORRES, NAMED GODMOTHER OF CELEBRITY XCEL

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Celebrity Cruises (NYSE:RCL) has announced renowned chef Janaína Torres as the Godmother of Celebrity Xcel, marking the first Brazilian chef to receive this honor for a major cruise line. Torres, named World's Best Female Chef 2024, is known for her innovative no-waste cooking approach and runs the acclaimed A Casa do Porco restaurant in São Paulo.

The partnership highlights both parties' commitment to celebrating culture through elevated culinary experiences. Celebrity Xcel will feature The Bazaar, a venue focused on destination-inspired dining experiences. The ship will begin its inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale in November 2025, offering seven-night Caribbean itineraries, followed by Mediterranean voyages in Summer 2026.

With a shared commitment to culinary excellence, Celebrity Cruises and Torres have teamed up to celebrate culture through cuisine. 

MIAMI, Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrity Cruises is thrilled to announce Janaína Torres as Godmother of Celebrity Xcel, the first Brazilian chef to be appointed as such for a major cruise line. Named Best Female Chef in the World 2024 by World's 50 Best, Torres is widely recognized for her innovative and no-waste approach to cooking that blends heritage with purpose. Torres and Celebrity share a passion for celebrating culture through elevated culinary experiences while upholding values of delivering authentic recipes, sourcing local and sustainable produce, and high standards of service and hospitality – crafting a partnership that celebrates travelers' journeys through vibrant flavors while transforming every dining experience into a memorable occasion.

"We are honored for Chef Janaína Torres, a trailblazer in the culinary industry, to be Godmother of Celebrity Xcel," said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. "Janaína shares our commitment to celebrating and sharing global culture through elevated culinary experiences, connecting diners with culture through unique food experiences."

The premium vacation brand and global culinary leader delivers accessible, elevated culinary experiences to over a million guests each year and was among the first cruise lines to earn a prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Star Award for its culinary offerings. Celebrity Xcel will deliver a heightened focus on destination-inspired culinary experiences through The Bazaar – a transformative venue, which erases the line between ship and shore to extend guests' time in, and understanding of, the destinations they visit through local and authentic food, entertainment and activities.

"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."

Co-owner of the award-winning restaurant A Casa do Porco in São Paulo, Torres is not only a leading figure in Brazil's culinary scene, her influence also extends far beyond the country's borders to the global culinary stage as a champion of Latin American culture and cuisine. 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. Redefining Brazilian cuisine and championing nutrition access for millions, Torres embodies the global perspective and human connection that will shape the future of travel with Celebrity.

Celebrity and Torres will celebrate their shared culinary cultural commitment through the cherished maritime tradition. The Godmother is a symbolic and guiding force who inspires, safeguards, and uplifts all who sail aboard. On November 16, Torres will christen Celebrity Xcel during the official naming ceremony, ushering in good fortune and protection for the crew and every guest on board.

From November, Celebrity Xcel will sail her inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale, offering seven-night itineraries alternating between The Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, and Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. In Summer 2026, Celebrity Xcel will set sail on her inaugural European season where guests can immerse themselves in the Mediterranean like never before on seven-to 11-night journeys out of Barcelona and Athens, including all new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.

For more information and to book a sailing with Celebrity Cruises, visit www.celebrity.com, call Celebrity Cruises at 1-800-CELEBRITY or contact a trusted travel advisor. 

About Celebrity Cruises 
Celebrity Cruises delivers an elevated premium vacation experience across their fleet of ships traveling to nearly 300 destinations across more than 70 countries spanning all seven continents. Uniquely offering the intimate feel and thoughtful service of smaller ships, with the variety and excitement of bigger ones – guests can explore the world or get away from it for a little while. With every detail elevated beyond expectations, guests will never want to vacation any other way. An industry pioneer for more than 35 years, each Celebrity vacation offers experiences you won't find anywhere else aboard ships which continue to shatter industry expectations with the highly anticipated Celebrity Xcel® arriving Fall 2025.

Celebrity Cruises is headquartered in Miami and is one of five cruise brands owned by Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL). Visit www.celebritycruises.com for more information, and connect with us on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.

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SOURCE Celebrity Cruises

FAQ

Who is the Godmother of Celebrity Xcel cruise ship?

Janaína Torres, named World's Best Female Chef 2024, has been appointed as the Godmother of Celebrity Xcel. She is the first Brazilian chef to receive this honor for a major cruise line.

When will Celebrity Xcel (RCL) begin its inaugural season?

Celebrity Xcel will begin its inaugural season in November 2025, sailing from Fort Lauderdale with seven-night itineraries to The Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, and Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.

What are Celebrity Xcel's Mediterranean cruise plans for 2026?

In Summer 2026, Celebrity Xcel will offer 7-to-11-night Mediterranean journeys departing from Barcelona and Athens, featuring new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.

What special culinary features will Celebrity Xcel offer?

Celebrity Xcel will feature The Bazaar, a transformative venue that connects guests with local culture through authentic food, entertainment, and activities, extending their destination experience.