"Elevated Hospitality Is in Our DNA": Le Voyage Makes Cruise Dining History with First 5-Star Forbes Honor

Celebrity Cruises has just made cruise dining history. For the first time ever, Forbes Travel Guide has given a Five-Star rating to a restaurant at sea, and that honor goes to Le Voyage aboard Celebrity Xcel.

Le Voyage was created in partnership with chef Daniel Boulud, who serves as Celebrity’s global culinary ambassador. The restaurant now sits alongside some of the world’s most respected dining rooms that hold the same Five-Star distinction.

Le Voyage dining. Photo: Royal Caribbean Group

Forbes Travel Guide is known for its independent ratings across luxury hotels, restaurants, bars, spas, and cruise ships. Celebrity was the first cruise line to receive a Forbes Star Award back in 2023. In 2025, it was also part of the first round of cruise ship restaurant ratings. This year, the brand picked up eight awards across its ships and dining venues.

Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, said: “At Celebrity Cruises, elevated hospitality is in our DNA. 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 Guides’ first Five-Star rating for a restaurant at sea, this industry-leading recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to culinary excellence.”

Le Voyage dinner. Photo: Royal Caribbean Group

Boulud called the prestigious recognition a milestone in a partnership that has successfully grown over time. “I have the honor of being Celebrity Cruises’ global culinary ambassador, supporting their delivery of elevated culinary experiences. 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,” he said. “Le Voyage is the culmination of our years-long partnership, and we are thrilled to be recognized with Forbes Travel Guides’ Five Stars. Together we look forward to continuing to redefine the possibilities of dining at sea.”

Le Voyage. Photo: Royal Caribbean Group

Le Voyage has been designed to be more than a formal dinner spot. The menu draws inspiration from Boulud’s travels, with dishes that reflect flavors from around the world. Guests can order à la carte or choose a five-course tasting menu, paired with selections from Celebrity’s wine program, which includes more than 500 labels.

Beyond Le Voyage on Celebrity Xcel, other ships also earned recognition, including Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Apex, and the expedition yacht Celebrity Flora. Each was acknowledged for delivering consistent, high-level service across the fleet.

All Forbes ratings are based on anonymous, in-person inspections that measure properties against hundreds of standards, with a strong focus on service. For Celebrity, this latest award signals that cruise dining is no longer just good for a ship. It can compete with the best restaurants anywhere.