3 minute read
World’s 50 Best named Janaína Torres Best Female Chef 2024 for good reason: she cooks with purpose. Think heritage recipes, no-waste technique, and food that feels welcoming instead of fussy. Celebrity Cruises just named her Godmother of Celebrity Xcel, and the fit is obvious. Xcel’s headline concept is The Bazaar, a new venue meant to carry the flavor of each port back on board so guests don’t leave the destination behind at sailaway.
“Accessible, not intimidating”
“I’ve always believed that fine dining should be accessible, not intimidating,” Torres says. That line tells you exactly what to expect from Xcel’s food story: authentic recipes, local sourcing, sustainability, and service that puts people first. Celebrity is framing this as culture through cuisine, not novelty for novelty’s sake.
The Bazaar: ship-to-shore without the hard cut
The Bazaar aims to erase the line between ship and shore. You’ll see local and authentic food and programming tied to the places Xcel visits, plus entertainment and activities that extend your time in the destination. It’s a simple promise: keep the connection going after you’re back on the ship.
Who Janaína Torres is — and why that matters
Torres co-owns A Casa do Porco in São Paulo and champions Latin American culture through food. Her broader project, À Brasileira, spotlights Brazilian foodways and nutrition access. Naming her Godmother isn’t a throwaway title; it aligns Xcel’s identity with a chef known for blending heritage and purpose.
Naming day: the tradition behind November 16
On November 16, Torres will christen Celebrity Xcel during the official naming ceremony. In maritime tradition, the Godmother is a guiding force — meant to inspire, safeguard, and bless everyone who sails.
Where you’ll taste this first
- From November: Seven-night itineraries from Fort Lauderdale, alternating among The Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, and Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, St. Maarten.
- Summer 2026: Seven- to 11-night Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona and Athens, including new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.
What I’ll be watching for on board
- Does The Bazaar actually feel like an extension of the port day, not just décor and a themed menu?
- Is the “accessible fine dining” promise obvious in pacing, service, and price point?
- How visible are the no-waste practices and local sourcing choices to guests?
I’m very excited to get back on Celebrity Cruises soon, and hopefully it’s on the Xcel. Also worth noting: Celebrity’s latest push into river cruising is starting to take shape — you can catch the priority-booking details here: Celebrity River Cruises priority booking.
