Bon Appetit: ‘World’s Best Female Chef’ Named Godmother of Celebrity Xcel

Celebrity Cruises has announced Janaína Torres as Godmother of Celebrity Xcel. Named Best Female Chef in the World 2024 by World’s 50 Best, the Brazilian is widely recognized for her innovative and no-waste approach to cooking.

Celebrity and Torres will celebrate their shared culinary cultural commitment through a 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. 

“We are honoured 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.” 

Celebrity was among the first cruise lines to earn a prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Star Award for its culinary offerings. The line says 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 flavours, 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’ influence extends far beyond the country’s borders to the global culinary stage as a champion of Latin American culture and cuisine. 

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.