Published on December 26, 2025
The newly launched ship of Celebrity Cruises, the Celebrity Xcel, has turned heads in the cruise industry thanks to its destination-based onboard activities which not only indicate a new trend in luxury travel and culinary tasting at sea but also clamored for more attention from the ship’s coming out party. The choice of famous Brazilian chef Janaína Torres as the ship’s godmother has contributed greatly to the excitement surrounding the ship’s debut along with the launch marking a complete reorientation of cruise traditions.
In a break from the conventional, where royal figures or public personalities traditionally hold the title of godmother, Celebrity Cruises has opted to go in a completely new direction. Torres, who was named the world’s best female chef in 2024 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, is celebrated for her innovative and sustainability-driven approach to cuisine. Her selection aligns with the cruise line’s broader strategy of integrating cultural immersion and culinary exploration into the travel experience.

Culinary Excellence Meets Cultural Immersion at Sea

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Celebrity Xcel is designed not just as a luxury cruise liner, but as a floating destination where culinary experiences are key to enriching the journey. Torres’ appointment signifies Celebrity Cruises’ growing emphasis on food and beverage programming that celebrates the regions the ship visits, both as an essential part of the guest experience and as a way to connect with destinations in a meaningful way.
The ship’s culinary offerings include The Bazaar, a dining venue designed to transform each meal into a cultural exploration. A rotating mix of regional food offerings, artisan markets, and interactive experiences are crafted to connect guests with the gastronomic identity of the ship’s ports of call. With this onboard feature, Celebrity Xcel goes beyond the typical cruise ship experience, allowing passengers to taste their way through the Mediterranean and Caribbean without ever stepping off the ship.

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This innovative food-driven approach also speaks to a broader trend in contemporary cruising. As passengers increasingly seek deeper connections to the places they visit, food has become a key means of engagement. Celebrity Cruises acknowledges this shift by ensuring that Celebrity Xcel is more than just a vessel for transportation. It is a gateway to culinary exploration, showcasing the rich food traditions of each region it sails through.

Inaugural Season and Deployment Plans

Celebrity Xcel will officially embark on its inaugural season in late 2025, departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for 7-night Caribbean voyages. The ship will later reposition to Europe in summer 2026, embarking from Barcelona and Athens for Mediterranean sailings. These itineraries will offer guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in diverse culinary landscapes, from the vibrant flavours of the Caribbean islands to the rich traditions of Southern Europe.

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The selection of these regions, which have been historically shaped by their geography, culture, and history, is no accident. Celebrity Cruises is tapping into the growing demand for experiences that not only showcase a destination’s food culture but also reflect the broader historical and geographical influences that shape local gastronomy.

Food as a Cultural Narrative

The introduction of Celebrity Xcel reflects a growing recognition of culinary travel as a means to engage travellers in deeper, more meaningful ways. The integration of food into the cruise experience goes far beyond the simple provision of meals; it’s about telling a story through taste, tradition, and local sourcing.
Each port of call will be an opportunity for passengers to experience the culinary traditions of the area. The ship’s culinary team, working under the guidance of Torres, will take guests on a journey that connects the food they eat with the culture and history of the places they visit. The aim is not just to serve meals, but to offer an enriching, experiential connection with each region the ship explores.
For Celebrity Cruises, this approach represents the future of cruising: an experiential journey that blends the luxury of travel with the authenticity of local food culture. Celebrity Xcel’s commitment to using sustainable ingredients and supporting local economies through its culinary program is also in line with the growing demand for responsible tourism practices. This is especially crucial as the cruise industry looks to address environmental concerns and make tourism more sustainable.

Destination-Inspired Culinary Programming as a Key Selling Point

Celebrity Cruises is making waves in the cruise industry by offering passengers more than just a floating hotel. The Celebrity Xcel delivers an experience where food is integral to cultural exploration, transforming each port visit into an opportunity for immersion. By focusing on destination-inspired cuisine and sustainability, the ship allows passengers to experience the world’s culinary landscapes, all while supporting local producers and economies.
Celebrity Xcel, as the coming of the age of the sea-going trip, is the next big thing in the cruise industry. It blends beautiful design, fantastic food, and the highest eco-friendly practices together giving birth to a new concept of food, culture, and luxury travel. The arrival of Janaína Torres as the godmother not only makes the ship a new one but also brings a new perspective of traveling and world exploration.

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Tags: Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Xcel, Culinary Cruise, Janaína Torres

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