Celebrity Cruises has announced Brazilian chef Janaína Torres as the Godmother of its newest ship, Celebrity Xcel, marking the first time a Brazilian chef has been chosen for such a role with a major cruise line.
Torres is known for her sustainable, no-waste approach to cooking and her ability to connect heritage with modern culinary practices. Her appointment highlights the cruise line’s ambition to link travel with culture through elevated food experiences.
“We are honored 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 Cruises, which serves over a million passengers annually, is recognised for its culinary focus. Its new ship, Celebrity Xcel, will feature The Bazaar, a multi-functional space designed to immerse guests in the traditions of each destination through authentic food, entertainment and cultural programming.
Torres said she was proud to bring her vision to the global stage through the partnership. “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,” she said. “I’m proud to partner with Celebrity Cruises to showcase our culture and cuisine on a global stage.”
Based in São Paulo, Torres co-owns the acclaimed restaurant A Casa do Porco, a venue that has earned worldwide recognition. Beyond running restaurants, she has taken on projects to preserve and promote Brazilian culinary heritage, including À Brasileira, which combines gastronomy with cultural research. Her work has positioned her as both a national and international figure in promoting Latin American cuisine, as well as a champion for nutrition and access to food.
The role of Godmother on a cruise ship is a long-standing maritime tradition, symbolising guidance, inspiration and protection for the vessel and all those on board. On 16 November, Torres will officially christen Celebrity Xcel during a naming ceremony, a ritual believed to bring good fortune to both crew and passengers.
From November, Celebrity Xcel will begin its first season sailing from Fort Lauderdale. The itineraries will span seven-night trips across destinations including The Bahamas, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. Looking ahead to summer 2026, the vessel will embark on its inaugural European season, offering seven-to-11-night voyages from Barcelona and Athens, with new overnight stops in Madeira, Portugal.
Torres’ appointment represents not only recognition of her culinary achievements but also the growing role of food and culture in global travel. For Celebrity Cruises, it signals an ongoing commitment to weaving authentic dining experiences into its journeys, ensuring passengers encounter the tastes and traditions of the places they visit.
