Prnewswire·2025-08-25 13:07Core Insights - Celebrity Cruises has appointed Janaína Torres, the Best Female Chef in the World 2024, as the Godmother of Celebrity Xcel, marking a significant milestone as she is the first Brazilian chef to hold this title for a major cruise line [2][3] - The partnership between Celebrity Cruises and Torres emphasizes a commitment to celebrating culture through elevated culinary experiences, focusing on authentic recipes and sustainable sourcing [2][3][4] Company Overview - Celebrity Cruises is recognized for delivering premium vacation experiences, serving over a million guests annually, and has received a Forbes Travel Guide Star Award for its culinary offerings [3] - The company operates a fleet of ships that travel to nearly 300 destinations across more than 70 countries, combining the intimacy of smaller ships with the excitement of larger ones [8][9] Culinary Focus - Celebrity Xcel will feature The Bazaar, a venue designed to enhance destination-inspired culinary experiences, allowing guests to connect with local cultures through food and entertainment [3][4] - Torres is known for her innovative, no-waste cooking approach and aims to redefine Brazilian cuisine while promoting nutrition access [4] Upcoming Events - The official naming ceremony for Celebrity Xcel, where Torres will christen the ship, is scheduled for November 16, 2025, symbolizing good fortune for the crew and guests [5] - Starting in November 2025, Celebrity Xcel will offer seven-night itineraries from Fort Lauderdale, with plans for an inaugural European season in Summer 2026 [6]