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Renowned chef Janaína Torres will inaugurate the luxury cruise ship Celebrity Xcel in November 2025.

Gifted culinary artist Janaína Torres will inaugurate Celebrity Cruises' newest vessel, Celebrity Xcel, in November 2025. Anticipate breathtaking voyages to the Caribbean and Mediterranean, eco-conscious dining at The Bazaar, and unique perks such as the Hydra Room spa indulgence.

Renowned chef Janaína Torres set to inauguration of Celebrity Xcel luxury cruise in November 2025.
Renowned chef Janaína Torres set to inauguration of Celebrity Xcel luxury cruise in November 2025.

Renowned chef Janaína Torres will inaugurate the luxury cruise ship Celebrity Xcel in November 2025.

Celebrity Cruises Introduces the Godmother of Its New Ship, Celebrity Xcel

In an exciting development, Brazilian award-winning chef Janaína Torres has been named the godmother of Celebrity Cruises' newest vessel, the Celebrity Xcel. This prestigious role places Torres in the esteemed company of notable individuals such as Olympic gold medallist Simone Biles and Nobel Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai.

Currently under construction at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, the Celebrity Xcel is set to make its debut in November 2025. The ship's maiden voyage will be a five-day roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, visiting Bimini and Cozumel.

Following this, the Celebrity Xcel will embark on its first season of sailing out of Fort Lauderdale with seven-night itineraries, exploring destinations in the Bahamas, Mexico, and the Cayman Islands. In summer 2026, the vessel is expected to reposition to the Mediterranean, offering cruises of seven to 11 nights from Barcelona and Athens.

One of the standout features of the Celebrity Xcel is The Bazaar, a performance space designed to enhance destination-inspired dining. Co-owner of São Paulo's acclaimed restaurant A Casa do Porco, Torres is set to elevate Celebrity Xcel's culinary offerings, aligning her culinary mission with the concept of The Bazaar.

Torres, who was named Best Female Chef in the World 2024 by World's 50 Best, brings her sustainable, zero-waste cooking philosophy to Celebrity Xcel. Sun enthusiasts can relax on the Vitamin D Deck, designed for ultimate relaxation on the Celebrity Xcel.

Adventure seekers will find plenty to enjoy in the adult-only games room, which boasts activities like darts, foosball, shuffleboard, and retro games. The Celebrity Xcel will also feature Celebrity's most spacious spa, complete with its first Hydra Room.

The official christening ceremony for Celebrity Xcel will take place on 16 November 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. Sponsored by Eva Longoria, the new Celebrity Cruises ship is set to enter service in November 2026. Torres expresses her pride in partnering with Celebrity Cruises to showcase Brazilian culture and cuisine on a global stage, ensuring that fine dining remains accessible and not intimidating.

The first short sailing of the Celebrity Xcel will be a four-day preview from Fort Lauderdale on November 9, 2025. Starting in November 2025, the Celebrity Xcel will embark on a series of exciting journeys, offering guests an unforgettable experience at sea.

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