Celebrity Cruise plans to expand its global culinary offerings when Celebrity Xcel debuts in Florida this fall, and the line tapped the award-winning Brazilian chef due to the baptismal obligation of the new ship.
Named the world’s best female chef in 2024 by UK-based 50 publications, Janaina Torres will fulfill her ritual duties as Godmother to welcome the fifth Edge class ship when she arrives at the Port Everglades in November.
“Janaína shares our commitment to celebrating and sharing global culture through the high culinary experiences, and connects diners with culture through unique food experiences,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Cruise Line, in a news release.
Torres is the chef and owner of Casa do Porco in Sao Paulo, Brazil. According to the line, she is a global champion of Latin American culture and culinary, promoting an innovative, non-discarded approach to cooking that blends heritage with purpose.
Torres will lead the ship’s baptism ceremony on November 16th, and the ship will begin regular service on November 18th.
Just like the sister ship, the edges, the pinnacles, the apex, the other, the ascent, the boat ventures out of South Florida’s ports for the winter sailing season, alternating seven nights and Western Caribbean sailing.
Unlike its sister ships, however, Xcel drops the ship’s vanguard Eden section to support an expansion venue called The Bazaar.
This is the space where Torres’ cooking and the culinary efforts of the cruise line most blend together.
The bazaar is trying to offer authentic food and entertainment based on the destination the ship is visiting. Cruisers can expect venues that can move from the Bahamas to Caribbean to Mexican inspiration for their debut sailing season, with each voyage looking to change four times during the week of sailing.
“I always believed that I should have access to fine dining, not intimidating,” Torres said. “Food brings us together and connects us through new flavors, traditions and shared memories. We are proud to partner with Celebrity Cruises to showcase our culture and cuisine on the global stage.”
The ship is currently under construction at the Chantier Atlantic Shipbuilding Grounds in St. Nazaire, France.
This fall, he will be one of three new ships to debut from the Port Everglades, joining Princess Cruise’s new ship Star Princess and Disney Destiny, the new ship on Disney Cruise Line.
Original issue: August 25th, 2025, 3:23pm EDT
