Happily Ever After Travel — Celebrity Partner of the Year 2025
The countdown is on for the Celebrity Xcel naming ceremony, and there’s a special kind of magic that fills the air when a new cruise ship is about to make her debut — a blend of anticipation, creativity, and the promise of unforgettable journeys ahead. As Celebrity Cruises’ Partner of the Year for 2025, Happily Ever After Travel has been invited to Fort Lauderdale this November to celebrate the arrival of the spectacular Celebrity Xcel, and we are honored to bring you along for every breathtaking moment of this extraordinary event.
As Celebrity’s Partner of the Year for 2025, Happily Ever After Travel has been invited to attend the exclusive two-night naming ceremony in Fort Lauderdale. Owners, Chrissy and Jason Vorderbruggen, will be boarding on November 16, joining industry leaders, creators, and innovators for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. The Celebrity Xcel naming ceremony marks the beginning of her journey, and we’re thrilled to share every magical moment with you. As one of the most exciting pieces of Fort Lauderdale cruise news 2025, the debut of Celebrity Xcel is already creating a wave of anticipation among travelers and cruise lovers everywhere.
A Culinary Godmother for a Culinary-Forward Ship
Every ship has a godmother, but this choice is especially meaningful.
The Celebrity Xcel will be christened by Janaína Torres, a world-renowned chef recognized for her artistry, warmth, and culinary storytelling. Her role beautifully reflects Celebrity’s commitment to elevated dining and immersive flavors — a hallmark of the brand and a highlight on every sailing.
With Celebrity’s focus on food, atmosphere, and rich cultural inspiration, this pairing feels like a fairy-tale fit. Learn more about Celebrity Cruises’ culinary vision at the official Celebrity Cruises website.
What Makes Celebrity Xcel So Exciting?
If you’ve been following Fort Lauderdale cruise news 2025, you already know Celebrity Xcel is expected to elevate the Caribbean sailing experience in all-new ways. While the finer details remain under wraps, here’s what we know — and what has us practically floating already:
✨ The Next Evolution of the Edge-Series
Celebrity Xcel builds upon the beloved design of the Edge-Class ships, adding new enhancements that promise to elevate the guest experience once again. Think modern elegance, thoughtful spaces, and a fresh take on luxury at sea.
✨ The Return of the Iconic Magic Carpet
This revolutionary floating platform glides up and down the side of the ship, transforming from a restaurant extension to a lounge to a breezy ocean-side perch. It’s stylish, unforgettable, and unmistakably Celebrity.
✨ Suites and Staterooms Crafted for Comfort
Expect king beds, lush eXhale® bedding, Cashmere mattresses, chic technology-driven controls, and soothing spa-inspired touches. For guests who love being pampered, The Retreat® — Celebrity’s exclusive suite enclave — will once again offer its private sundeck, lounge, restaurant, and attentive concierge service.
✨ Caribbean Adventures Await
When she begins her maiden voyage in just our more days on November 18, 2025, Celebrity Xcel will call Fort Lauderdale home as she journeys to the Bahamas, Mexico, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Grand Cayman, Puerto Plata, and more. These itineraries blend vibrant culture with turquoise waters and laid-back luxury — a perfect match for this gorgeous new vessel.
Why This Ceremony Matters
Being present as a ship receives her name is more than a celebration — it’s a blessing over every future guest who will laugh, rest, reconnect, and dream within her walls. It’s the quiet beginning of thousands of happily-ever-afters.
We are humbled to be invited.
We are honored to represent our clients.
And we are overjoyed to bring you along through every shimmering moment.
Stay tuned — we’ll be sharing updates, photos, and first-impressions from the event as the Celebrity Xcel steps into her spotlight.
And when you’re ready to book your own getaway on this breathtaking new ship, our Happily Ever After Travel team is here to help you choose the perfect itinerary for your celebration, rest, adventure, or all of the above.
Because every great journey begins with someone who knows the way.
✨⚓💙
