Celebrity Cruises has announced Janaína Torres will be the godmother for its next ship, Celebrity Xcel. Torres is co-owner of A Casa de Porco in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and was named Best Female Chef in the World 2024 by World’s 50 Best. Torres is the first Brazilian chef to be named godmother of a cruise ship and will take part in the cherished maritime tradition of the vessel’s naming ceremony and christening on November 16, 2025.
Celebrity Cruises’ President Laura Hodges Bethge said, “We are honored for Chef Janaína Torres, a trailblazer in the culinary industry, to be Godmother of Celebrity Xcel. Janaína shares our commitment to celebrating and sharing global culture through elevated culinary experiences, connecting diners with culture through unique food experiences.”
Torres is well-known for her no-waste culinary approach far beyond her country’s borders. She is a champion of Latin American culture and cuisine, and also oversees various hospitality venues. Additionally, she has recently launched À Brasileira–a gastronomic-cultural project for researching, valuing and promoting Brazilian culture through food.
“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.”
The partnership between Torres and Celebrity Cruises celebrates a shared cultural commitment through elevated culinary experiences. This commitment is reflected in Celebrity Xcel’s transformative venue, The Bazaar. The exclusive space focuses on an immersive dining experience through local and authentic cuisine and culture.
Celebrity Xcel will sail her inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale. She will offer 7-night alternating itineraries to destinations in The Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Island, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. She will set sail on her inaugural European season in summer 2026. Guests will enjoy 7- to 11-night itineraries in the Mediterranean out of Barcelona and Athens.