Celebrity Cruises has earned a milestone distinction in the culinary world, becoming the first cruise line to receive a Five Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide for a restaurant at sea. Le Voyage aboard Celebrity Xcel, created in partnership with Michelin starred chef Daniel Boulud, was awarded the prestigious honor this week.
The recognition marks the first time Forbes Travel Guide has granted its highest rating to a restaurant operating on a cruise ship.
Forbes Travel Guide is widely regarded as the global authority on luxury hospitality and operates as the only independent, worldwide rating system for hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruises.
Inspectors evaluate properties anonymously and in person against hundreds of objective standards, with a particular emphasis on service. Le Voyage now joins an elite group of restaurants around the world that hold the coveted Five Star accolade.
“At Celebrity Cruises elevated hospitality is in our DNA,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises.
“Guided by our guests, we dream up and deliver experiences that create memories and stories they cannot experience anywhere else. This dedication to excellence is reflected in our culinary offerings, from our award winning wine collection to our partnership with industry visionary Chef Daniel Boulud.”
“We are extremely proud and honored to earn Forbes Travel Guide’s first Five Star rating for a restaurant at sea. This industry leading recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to culinary excellence.”
Le Voyage is the most elevated Celebrity dining experience
Le Voyage represents Boulud’s first signature restaurant at sea and is described as a cultural journey inspired by global flavors.
Guests can choose from an elevated selection of à la carte dishes or opt for a five course tasting menu designed to take diners around the world without ever leaving the table. The experience is complemented by Celebrity’s wine program, which features more than 500 labels and is billed as the most awarded wine collection at sea.
“I have the honor of being Celebrity Cruises’ global culinary ambassador, supporting their delivery of elevated culinary experiences,” said Boulud.
“Throughout the years of partnership, I recognized Celebrity’s drive for culinary innovation and dedication to quality service. We began expanding our collaboration, first featuring my menus for their suite guests, then trusting Celebrity to launch my first ever restaurant at sea.”
“Le Voyage is the culmination of our years long partnership, and we are thrilled to be recognized with Forbes Travel Guide’s Five Stars. Together we look forward to continuing to redefine the possibilities of dining at sea.”
Celebrity Cruises earns eight total Forbes Awards
Celebrity Cruises first made history with Forbes Travel Guide in 2023 when it became the first cruise line to earn a Star Award. In 2025, the company was included in the inaugural ratings for restaurants on cruise ships. In 2026, Celebrity earned eight total awards across its ships and restaurants.
In addition to Le Voyage on Celebrity Xcel receiving Five Stars, Le Voyage on Celebrity Ascent earned a Four Star rating. Similarly, Fine Cut Steakhouse on both Celebrity Ascent and Celebrity Apex also received Four Star recognition.
Four ships in Celebrity’s fleet were recognized overall in the 2026 ratings. Celebrity Ascent earned a Four Star designation, while Celebrity Xcel, Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Flora were all recommended by Forbes Travel Guide.
Celebrity Flora, the line’s 100 passenger expedition yacht sailing in the Galapagos, was noted for its environmentally focused design and itineraries led by certified Galapagos National Park naturalists.
About Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity Xcel is the newest ship in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series and is designed to push the boundaries of modern luxury at sea. The ship introduces seven new onboard experiences, including two brand new restaurants, an expanded entertainment lineup, and the largest spa in the fleet.
One of its most notable features is The Bazaar, a three story venue that transforms throughout each sailing to reflect the destinations on the itinerary, showcasing local culture, cuisine and immersive programming onboard.
Guests can also enjoy enhanced outdoor spaces, redesigned pool areas and the signature Infinite Veranda staterooms that blur the line between indoor and outdoor living.
With the addition of Le Voyage’s Five Star distinction, Celebrity Xcel now carries one of the most highly acclaimed dining venues at sea, reinforcing the ship’s positioning as a flagship for culinary innovation within the Celebrity fleet.
The Five Star recognition for Le Voyage signals a growing focus on high end dining experiences at sea, as cruise lines continue to invest in partnerships with globally recognized chefs and elevate onboard culinary programming.
