the cruise industry, Celebrity Cruises has made history by earning the first-ever Five-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide for a restaurant aboard a cruise ship. The accolade was awarded to Le Voyage, a fine dining establishment located on the newly launched Celebrity Xcel, a flagship of the Edge Series. This prestigious recognition places Le Voyage among an exclusive group of dining venues worldwide that hold the coveted Five-Star distinction, underscoring the cruise line's commitment to culinary excellence at sea.

Le Voyage: A Culinary Journey at Sea

Le Voyage by renowned Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud first debuted on the Celebrity Beyond, showcasing a menu that is as much a cultural journey as it is a culinary one. With dishes inspired by Chef Boulud's extensive travels, guests are invited to explore flavors from around the globe. The restaurant offers a choice of expertly curated à la carte dishes alongside a meticulously crafted five-course tasting menu, providing an unforgettable dining experience that transcends the traditional cruise fare.

While the dining experience at Le Voyage comes at a premium, with costs exceeding $100 per person, the Forbes Five-Star rating serves as a testament to the quality and innovation that diners can expect. This recognition elevates the experience beyond that of a typical specialty restaurant found on many cruise ships, positioning Le Voyage as one of the finest culinary experiences available anywhere in the world.

A Word from Leadership

Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, expressed her pride in receiving this prestigious honor, stating, "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." The award not only highlights the quality of the dining experience but also signifies the cruise line's dedication to setting new standards in the hospitality sector.

Chef Boulud echoed this sentiment, saying, "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." He added, "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."

The Significance of the Forbes Five-Star Rating

Forbes Travel Guide is widely acknowledged as the gold standard for excellence in the hospitality industry. It is the only independent, global rating system that evaluates luxury hotels, spas, restaurants, and cruises. Each Five-Star rating is based on anonymous evaluations that measure hundreds of objective standards prioritizing exceptional service and a superior guest experience. This rigorous assessment process ensures that only the best establishments are awarded this prestigious honor.

Historical Achievements in Culinary Excellence

This recent accolade is not the first time Celebrity Cruises has made waves in the culinary world. In 2023, the cruise line was recognized as the first to earn a coveted Forbes Travel Guide Star Award, setting the stage for its continued success in providing exceptional dining experiences. The introduction of Le Voyage marks a significant milestone in Celebrity’s ongoing quest to push the boundaries of what is possible in cruise dining.

Exploring the Menu at Le Voyage

Guests dining at Le Voyage can expect an array of exquisite dishes that reflect a blend of global cuisines. The menu is designed to offer something for everyone, whether you prefer a simple yet elegant dish or a more elaborate culinary creation. Here’s a glimpse of what to expect:

Expertly prepared à la carte options featuring seasonal ingredients A thoughtfully curated five-course tasting menu showcasing Chef Boulud's signature style Dishes inspired by international flavors, including French, Mediterranean, and Asian influences A stunning selection of wines and beverages to complement each meal

The Future of Dining at Sea

As Celebrity Cruises continues to innovate within the cruise industry, the introduction of Le Voyage exemplifies a growing trend towards elevated dining experiences. Passengers are increasingly seeking more than just traditional cruise fare; they desire culinary adventures that reflect the diversity of global cuisine. Celebrity Cruises is poised to meet this demand, as evidenced by their partnership with Chef Boulud and their commitment to offering top-tier dining options across their fleet.

Conclusion: Redefining Culinary Standards on the High Seas

In summary, the recognition of Le Voyage by Forbes Travel Guide as the first Five-Star restaurant at sea is a landmark achievement for Celebrity Cruises and the cruise industry as a whole. This accolade not only highlights the restaurant's exceptional culinary offerings but also reinforces Celebrity's dedication to providing guests with unparalleled dining experiences. As the cruise line continues to push the boundaries of culinary innovation, travelers can look forward to an exciting future where gourmet dining at sea becomes a standard, rather than an exception. With Le Voyage leading the charge, Celebrity Cruises is set to redefine the culinary landscape of cruising for years to come.

--- **Source Attribution:** This article is based on information from [Royal Caribbean Blog](https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2026/02/11 -first-five-star-restaurant-cruise-ship). We appreciate their original reporting and encourage readers to visit their site for more cruise industry coverage. *Port Side Left aggregates and enhances cruise industry news from multiple sources to provide comprehensive coverage for cruise enthusiasts.*