By
Alex Smith |
Celebrity Cruises has chosen Brazilian chef Janaí na Torres as godmother of its newest ship, Celebrity Xcel.
Torres is owner and chef of A Casa do Porco in Sao Paulo, Brazil, which was ranked number 27 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2024. She also oversees a range of hospitality venues and recently launched 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,” said Torres. “Food brings us together, connecting us through new flavours, traditions, and shared memories. I’m proud to partner with Celebrity Cruises to showcase our culture and cuisine on a global stage.”
The Bazaar onboard Celebrity Xcel will offer destination-inspired culinary experiences
Celebrity Xcel will provide destination-inspired culinary experiences through The Bazaar, a multi-level space which will transform in festivals linked to a destination the ship is sailing to.
Mosaic, an open kitchen concept within The Bazaar, will serve reimagined dishes inspired by the region, while the Chef’s Table experience at Mosaic will present dishes developed by Celebrity’s global culinary leadership team to celebrate their native cuisine. Guests can also learn to cook regional delicacies at Chef’s Studio at Mosaic, while casual dining concept Spice will offer a daytime selection of rotating food items inspired by the ports visited on the itinerary.
"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.”
Torres will christen Celebrity Xcel during the official naming ceremony on 16 November. The ship will sail its inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale, offering seven-night itineraries alternating between The Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, and Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.