Celebrity Cruises marked the arrival of its newest vessel, the Celebrity Xcel, with a spirited christening in Fort Lauderdale, conducted under clear evening skies and the steady hand of the ship’s godmother, Chef Janaina Torres. Recognized in 2024 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants as the world’s leading female chef, Torres bestowed her blessing upon the ship before setting off the ceremonial Champagne bottle that shattered cleanly across the hull, signaling Xcel’s formal commission into the fleet.
The line’s choice of Torres reflected her far-reaching influence in contemporary gastronomy and her reputation as a trailblazer within Brazil’s culinary world. Her work at São Paulo’s A Casa do Porco has long drawn international respect for advancing Brazilian cuisine, championing women throughout the hospitality trade, and supporting programs that enhance food access and school nutrition. Company leadership noted that her philosophy aligns with Celebrity’s own commitment to crafting voyages shaped by culture and community, remarking that her professional journey made her a fitting guardian for the new ship.
The ceremony unfolded across the broad pool deck as the sun descended over Port Everglades. Xcel’s cruise directors served as masters of the occasion while performers ushered in the evening with a lively showcase. The St. Andrews Pipe Band of Miami followed with a resonant maritime procession, after which both a rabbi and a bishop offered blessings for the vessel and those who will sail aboard her. When Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge addressed the gathering, she reflected on the company’s growth and expressed hopes that Xcel would inspire all who travel on her, carrying forward the line’s Greek-rooted tradition into a new era.
Several of the ship’s new venues were also introduced as distinguishing features of the class. Bora, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant taking the place of the former Rooftop Garden Grill, will specialize in fresh coastal fare displayed on ice and prepared in the manner of seaside markets. The aft section has been reimagined as the Bazaar, replacing Eden with two contrasting dining experiences: Mosaic, a refined venue devoted to artful presentations, and Spice, a globe-spanning culinary offering shaped by the ship’s far-reaching itineraries.