Celebrity Cruises Just Christened Its Newest Ship—And the Godmother Isn't Who You'd Expect
Celebrity Xcel was officially christened at Port Everglades with Chef Janaína Torres as godmother—a world-renowned chef chosen to highlight the ship's culinary excellence.
Celebrity Cruises unveiled its latest masterpiece over the weekend, and the celebration at Port Everglades was anything but ordinary. Celebrity Xcel, the cruise line’s fifth Edge-class ship, was officially christened on November 17, 2025, marking a significant milestone for the fleet. But what really caught everyone’s attention? The choice of godmother.
A Chef Takes the Helm as Godmother
In a departure from typical celebrity christenings, Celebrity Cruises chose Chef Janaína Torres as the ship’s godmother—a renowned culinary talent recognized as the world’s leading female chef by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2024. This selection signals something significant: the cruise industry’s growing emphasis on exceptional dining experiences.
According to CruiseMapper, Torres was selected for her influence in contemporary gastronomy and her role in advancing Brazilian cuisine through her São Paulo restaurant, A Casa do Porco. She’s also known for supporting women in hospitality—a mission that aligns perfectly with Celebrity’s progressive brand values.
The Ceremony: Tradition Meets Modern Celebration
The christening unfolded on the ship’s deck under clear Fort Lauderdale evening skies. The St. Andrews Pipe Band of Miami performed a maritime procession, followed by blessings from both a rabbi and a bishop—honoring the maritime tradition with an inclusive, contemporary approach.
The highlight? Chef Torres performing the ceremonial honor of breaking a champagne bottle cleanly across the hull, officially commissioning Celebrity Xcel into the fleet. Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge spoke at the event about the company’s growth and how Xcel continues Greek maritime traditions while pushing boundaries.
What Makes Celebrity Xcel Different
As the fifth ship in Celebrity’s innovative Edge class, Xcel brings some intriguing new features to the table—literally. The ship debuts with three reimagined dining venues that weren’t on previous Edge-class ships:
Bora: A Mediterranean-inspired restaurant replacing the Rooftop Garden Grill, featuring fresh coastal fare that transports guests to the shores of the Med.
Mosaic: A refined dining space focused on artful presentations where every dish is a visual masterpiece.
Spice: A globally-inspired culinary venue that reflects the diverse itineraries the ship will sail.
These dining additions make perfect sense given the choice of a world-renowned chef as godmother. Celebrity is clearly doubling down on its reputation for exceptional cuisine at sea.
A Ship Built for the Future
Beyond the culinary innovations, Celebrity Xcel represents a significant step toward sustainable cruising. This is the first Royal Caribbean Group ship capable of using methanol as fuel—a cleaner alternative to traditional marine fuels. It’s a subtle but important nod to the industry’s evolving environmental responsibility.
The ship retains the signature Edge-class features that have made these vessels so popular: the Magic Carpet (that incredible exterior elevator platform), Infinite Verandah staterooms that blur the line between indoor and outdoor space, and three new stage shows with interactive entertainment options.
What This Means for Cruisers
Celebrity Xcel is sailing seven-night Caribbean itineraries through spring 2026 from Port Everglades, then heading to Europe for summer 2026. The ship accommodates 3,250 guests, making it an intimate-yet-spacious option for travelers who want modern luxury without the mega-ship crowds.
The christening of Celebrity Xcel, coming just days after the ship arrived at Port Everglades, caps off what’s been a banner season for the Florida port. Three new ships—Princess, Disney, and Celebrity—have all made Port Everglades their home this season, solidifying South Florida’s position as the cruise capital of the world.
The Bigger Picture
Choosing a chef as godmother isn’t just a publicity stunt—it’s a statement about where cruise lines are investing their energy and resources. As CEO Jason Liberty noted, “With each new ship, we raise the bar for the ultimate vacation experience.” In an industry where dining has become a major differentiator, Celebrity is putting its money where its mouth is.
For cruise enthusiasts, Celebrity Xcel represents the evolution of modern cruising: environmentally conscious, culinary-focused, and designed for travelers who want more than just a floating hotel. The ship stands as proof that the cruise industry isn’t just building bigger ships—it’s building better ones.
The champagne has been broken, the blessings bestowed, and Celebrity Xcel is officially ready to welcome guests. If the christening ceremony is any indication of what’s to come, this ship is going to make waves in all the right ways.
Source: CruiseMapper - Celebrity Xcel Christened in Fort Lauderdale