Viking Names Vesta in Croatia

Viking Names Vesta in Croatia

Viking named its newest ocean ship, the Viking Vesta, with a traditional ceremony in Split, Croatia, over the weekend. The vessel was recently delivered from Fincantieri to Viking.

Serving as ceremonial godmother of the Viking Vesta was the Norwegian journalist Lene Tangevald-Jensen, according to a press release.

The Viking Vesta will now continue her inaugural season sailing in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

“As we celebrate 10 years of ocean voyages in 2025, we are pleased to welcome the new Viking Vesta to our award-winning fleet of elegant sister ships,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking.

“We are also very grateful to Lene for serving as godmother. In addition to her personal and professional accomplishments, Lene embodies the values that are very important to me and to Viking—she is kind, honest, hardworking and, of course, curious. I am proud to count her as a friend and a valued member of the extended Viking family.”

In keeping with the naming tradition, during the ceremony, Lene used a Viking broad axe to cut a ribbon that allowed a bottle of Norwegian aquavit to break on the ship’s hull.

Guests also enjoyed performances by Sissel Kyrkjebø, one of the world’s leading crossover sopranos and godmother of the Viking Jupiter, and Norwegian violinist Tor Jaran Apold.

MSC Preziosa Turns Ten Years Old

MSC Preziosa Turns Ten Years Old

The MSC Preziosa is completing ten years this month. Built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, the 140,000-ton vessel was delivered to MSC Cruises on March 13, 2013.

After leaving the French facility, the vessel offered a pre-inaugural cruise to the Mediterranean. Sailing to Portugal, Spain, France, Morocco and Italy, the one-way voyage ended in Genoa – where the ship was christened before officially entering service.

The ship was joined by the MSC Lirica and the MSC Splendida during the ceremony, which took place on March 24, 2013, and was attended by Sophia Loren, the Italian actress that served as godmother of the Preziosa and most of MSC’s newbuilds.

According to MSC, the event also included a high-profile gala dinner, and entertainment from top Italian and international performers in the company of celebrities, media, authorities and the company’s top management.

Following the ceremony, the MSC Preziosa kicked off its inaugural season in the Western Mediterranean.

Sailing from Genoa through the end of the European summer, the vessel offered a series of weeklong cruises during its maiden program.

Visiting Italy, Tunisia, Spain and France, the itinerary featured Naples, Messina, La Goulette, Barcelona and Marseille as ports of call.

In November, the MSC Preziosa crossed the Atlantic for the first time ahead of a winter season in Brazil.

Sailing from the Port of Santos during the entire 2013-2014 season, the vessel became the biggest and one of the newest cruise ships ever to sail from the South American country.

Completing MSC’s Fantasia Class, the MSC Preziosa offers most of the amenities of its sister ships, including a three-deck theatre, three pool decks, five restaurants, a complete wellness centre and more.

The 3,500-guest vessel also introduced new features such as Vertigo, a 120-meter-long waterslide, and the Doremi Castle Aqua Park, a water park for children.

 

Royal Caribbean Names Wonder of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Names Wonder of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International officially welcomed Wonder of the Seas into the family on Friday at Port Canaveral.

The cruise line’s latest ship was named by its Godmother and Wonder Mom Marie McCrea from Pennsylvania. The evening ceremony also marked the start of a new chapter for Wonder as it makes waves as Port Canaveral’s new, year-round family vacation, the company said.

Royal Caribbean executives and teams, families, friends, travel advisors, the cruise line’s partners and more came together on board the world’s largest cruise ship to celebrate the occasion.

In the time-honoured role of Godmother, Marie bestowed a blessing of safekeeping on Wonder, its crew and the millions of families who will make lifelong memories on board in the years to come. On stage with Marie were Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley, and her daughter, Allie, who nominated her mother for the role as part of a nationwide search started by Royal Caribbean on Mother’s Day.

“Wonder of the Seas exemplifies Royal Caribbean Group’s focus on unparalleled innovation, sustainable cruise ship design and our commitment to delivering world-class, memorable vacations, responsibly,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, of Royal Caribbean Group. “This milestone represents the culmination of millions of hours of work, from the most innovative minds in the industry, to deliver the world’s latest wonder.”

Designed for memory-making from end to end, Wonder inspires awe and adventure in kids and vacationers of all ages with feats and experiences across eight neighbourhoods – a first in the revolutionary Oasis Class. To find the Godmother to match, Royal Caribbean took to TikTok and launched the #SearchforWonderMom contest, which saw 16,000 videos posted and 10.6 billion hashtag views.

The search was complete when the cruise line heard Marie’s story, one of a devoted mother, wife and cancer survivor whose spirit inspired her family and those around her to set out on adventures and enjoy every moment together despite the hardships they faced.

“It was an honour to officially welcome Marie, and Wonder of the Seas, to the Royal Caribbean family,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, of Royal Caribbean International. “Marie’s story is one of incredible strength and family memories to last a lifetime, and those are the types of memories we’ve committed to creating with our guests and crew on every Royal Caribbean ship for more than 53 years. Wonder is the adventure of all adventures that combines what families know and love on our revolutionary Oasis Class ships with brand-new experiences, and it’s already delivered memorable vacations to more than 180,500 guests since first setting sail in March.”

“Carrying out my role as Godmother and a part of such an important moment for Royal Caribbean and Wonder of the Seas was such an honour,” said Marie McCrea, Godmother of Wonder of the Seas. “Having my family by my side to celebrate this incredible ship was yet another memory we’ve made together – and with our new Royal Caribbean family – that I’ll never forget.”

 

Silversea Names Silver Endeavour in Antarctica

Silversea Names Silver Endeavour in Antarctica

Silversea Cruises has officially named Silver Endeavour in a naming ceremony held on November 19.

The cruise line held the celebration in the Lemaire Channel, Antarctica, where the Silver Endeavour was inaugurated as the 11th ship in the fleet.

This also makes Silver Endeavour the first ship ever to be named in the Lemaire Channel.

“We are excited to officially welcome Silver Endeavour to the Royal Caribbean Group fleet, bringing our global fleet to 64 ships,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of the Royal Caribbean Group.

“Silver Endeavour will continue to strengthen Silversea’s position as the leading ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line, allowing us to grow capacity while building upon Royal Caribbean Group’s mission of delivering the best vacations in the world, responsibly.”

The celebration was attended by Silversea Cruises executives, the ship’s Godmother Felicity Aston MBE as well as select members of the cruise line’s extended family.

“We are incredibly proud to have hosted ultra-luxury cruising’s first Antarctica naming ceremony for Silver Endeavour­­, our third ship to be named in just nine months,” said Roberto Martinoli, President and CEO of Silversea Cruises.

“I would like to thank Captain Niklas Peterstam and the ship’s crew, the entire Silversea team, Jason Liberty and all those involved at Royal Caribbean Group for their invaluable support in reaching this momentous milestone. Silver Endeavour strengthens our position as the industry’s leading cruise line, broadening our diverse polar offering for our guests’ enjoyment.

“A source of great inspiration for our guests, we are honoured to name Felicity Aston as the ship’s Godmother. Felicity is the perfect ambassador for Silversea; she shares the same unwavering sense of curiosity and adventure that unites all of our guests.”

As per the tradition, Aston blessed Silver Endeavour and cut the ribbon alongside Captain Niklas Peterstam.

Norwegian Kicks Off Inaugural Prima Weekend

Norwegian Kicks Off Inaugural Prima Weekend

The Norwegian Prima celebrated the Art of Iceland at Reykjavik`s famed Harpa Concert Hall in a gala event as the new Norwegian Cruise Line ship prepares for its weekend christening.

Welcoming guests in attendance for the preliminary christening festivities was Richard Ambrose Senior Vice President of Entertainment and Cruise Programs at Norwegian Cruise Line who introduced the all-Icelandic performances.

Highlights included known pop singer Briet Isis, the Iceland Dance Company, the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Symphony`s Cello Ensemble. 

The salute to Iceland and its artists was an original production kicking off the Prima Christening that is to be celebrated on Saturday in Iceland.

The Godmother is Katy Perry who will be performing.

Katy Perry as godmother of new-ship Norwegian Prima

As godmother, Perry will not only fulfil the maritime tradition of blessing and officially naming the vessel, but she will perform during the christening ceremony in August before the vessel embarks on its inaugural voyage from Reykjavik.
 

Harry Sommer, president and chief executive of NCL, said the brand was "excited" to welcome the "one-of-a-kind artist" as godmother of Prima.

 

"We are so incredibly proud that she will be part of the Norwegian Cruise Line family and look forward to launching our beautiful, innovative ship with her in August," he added.

Perry said her favourite form of a holiday with her family was on the water. "Every morning that you wake up, you get to experience an incredible new view," she added.

 

"I love that I get to christen her with my good vibrations, and I’m so excited for this new, beautiful, high-end, high-tech ship to take the seas, and provide once-in-a-lifetime vacations for so many families."

 

Prima will offer inaugural voyages to Northern Europe from Southampton, Amsterdam and Reykjavik from 12 August, sailings to Bermuda from New York from 6 October and Caribbean itineraries from Texas and Miami beginning 27 October. 

New Carnival Mardi Gras Christened at Port Canaveral

Carnival Cruise Line has christened Mardi Gras at Port Canaveral, Fla. at a “Universe of Fun” celebration in the first ship naming ceremony held in the U.S. since the cruise industry’s restart this summer.

Carnival’s Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal attended the festivities and cut the ribbon of his first Big Chicken restaurant at sea that debuted on Mardi Gras when she began cruise operations on July 31.

Miss Universe, Dominican Republic, Kimberly Jimenez served as the ship’s Godmother and officially named the ship and was joined by Miss Universe, Andrea Meza and Miss USA, Asya Branch who sang the national anthem. The event featured a “World of Nations” flag procession to highlight the diversity of the 120 nationalities of Carnival crew members, and, of course, a Mardi Gras parade with a Second Line Band.

“Today’s naming ceremony of our flagship Mardi Gras, the first in the industry since our restart of operations, signifies excitement and optimism as we look to bring our entire fleet back into guest service by spring 2022,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “This ship has been amazing guests during her pre-inaugural season and the celebration today with our Chief Fun Officer Shaq, our Godmother Kimberly, and so many special guests, was extremely gratifying and emotional.”

Following remarks by Duffy and Carnival Corporation President and CEO Arnold Donald, Carnival friends and partners Romero Britto, Emeril Lagasse, Kathie Lee Gifford, Vanna White and Guy Fieri provided their congratulations on the ship’s naming and helped bring the champagne bottle to the ship.

Godmother Jimenez blessed the ship in both English and her native Spanish and activated the traditional champagne bottle break, officially naming the ship. In a celebration of the ship’s name, a special Mardi Gras parade with Duffy, Donald and O’Neal leading it, capped off the festivities.

Actress Helen Mirren named godmother of Scenic ship

Actress Helen Mirren named godmother of Scenic ship

Academy Award-winning actress Helen Mirren has been named godmother of the Scenic Eclipse expedition vessel. The ship will be christened on Sept. 10 in New York City.

"Scenic Eclipse is a unique ship that requires an equally unique person to act in this role," stated Glen Moroney, Scenic's founder and chairman.

Mirren won an Academy Award for Best Actress in 2007 for her performance in "The Queen." She was also nominated for Oscars for her roles in 1994's "The Madness of King George," 2001's "Gosford Park" and 2009's "The Last Station."

The Eclipse is Scenic's first oceangoing vessel. It was originally scheduled to debut in 2018 but shipyard problems delayed its completion.

The 200-passenger ship's maiden voyage is slated to depart Iceland on Aug. 15 on a 13-day discovery sailing ending in Quebec on Aug. 27.

The ultra-luxe Eclipse will have two six-guest helicopters and one six-guest submarine capable of depths of nearly 1,000 feet, indoor and outdoor plunge pools, and butler service for all guests. The 114-suite ship will have 10 dining options, including Asian fusion, French fine dining, a chef's table and a poolside buffet. There will be a state-of-the-art theatre for entertainment and lectures.

Scenic operates river cruises in Europe, Southeast Asia, Russia and Egypt on 15 ships.

Carnival Announces Queen Latifah as Godmother to New Carnival Horizon

PHOTO: Queen Latifah will be the godmother to Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Horizon. (photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

Carnival Cruise Line just revealed its latest in a lineup of traditional ship godmothers—Queen Latifah. She will serve the honorary role for the company’s upcoming new Carnival Horizon when she officially names and christens the vessel in New York City on May 23, 2018.

”With her fun-loving spirit and positive, can-do attitude, Queen Latifah embodies our brand and knows how to ‘Choose Fun’ in everything she does,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, in a press release.

“Knowing that she is a long-time supporter of St. Jude and has performed and won ‘Lip Sync Battle’ made her the ideal candidate to serve as godmother to our newest ship.”

Queen Latifah is a multifaceted dynamo as a Grammy award-winning musical artist, television and film actress, label president, author, entrepreneur and now godmother. The announcement follows Carnival bringing on a similarly energetic personality in Shaquille O’Neal as its “CFO,” or Chief Fun Officer.

”Carnival is an iconic American brand and it’s an honour to be named godmother of Carnival Horizon and take part in the event on May 23, honouring the special children of St. Jude – a cause that is very near and dear to my heart,” said Latifah, in the release.

The New York City naming ceremony will bestow a check to partner St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with funds raised during onboard and shoreside activities and events prior to the party. As previously revealed, artwork from over 30 St. Jude patients will be displayed on the ship’s triple-decker “Dreamscape” atrium LED sculpture.

The invitation-only overnight gala on May 23 will also consist of a special “Lip Sync Battle: Horizon” showcase reproducing the popular Paramount Network television series.

Latifah can currently be seen in the cast of the FOX series “STAR.” Her accolades include an Oscar nomination, a Golden Globe nomination and a SAG Award nomination for portraying Mama Morton in “Chicago.” She also got an Emmy nomination, a Golden Globe win and SAG Award win for performing in “Life Support” and “Bessie."

Additionally, she is the first hip-hop artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and she has six Grammy nominations and a Grammy Award for Best Solo Rap Performance to her name. Her Flavor Unit Entertainment production company produces television shows and films.

Latifah joins a list of high-profile Carnival godmothers that include Marcia Gay Harden, Kathy Ireland, Mira Sorvino, Katie Couric and Judi Dench.

After the christening, Carnival Horizon will commence a summer season from New York until September when the ship will transfer to year-round Caribbean voyages from Miami.

The Horizon will be similar to sister-ship Carnival Vista with favourite features such as the SkyRide and IMAX Theatre along for the ride, but it will introduce a number of new ones as well. Fresh onboard will be Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse|Brewhouse with fare from Food Network star Guy Fieri as well as a Dr Seuss-themed water park in collaboration with Dr. Seuss Enterprises.

Guests will be catered to in accommodations encompassing Cloud 9 Spa cabins with pampering perks, extra spacious Family Harbor staterooms and tropical-themed Havana cabins and suites with private daytime access to a Cuban-inspired bar and pool.

Carnival's newest godmother a distinguished, and strategic, choice

Barber the Godmother of the Carnival Vista

Carnival Cruise Line's choice of an active duty member of the U.S. military, Deshauna Barber, to name its newest ship, got me wondering who the Navy chooses to christen its new warships.

There have been four Navy ships launched this year, including three littoral combat ships, the USS Sioux City, USS Wichita and USS Manchester.  

The Sioux City was christened by Mary Winnefeld, wife of a retired admiral. The Wichita was christened by Kate Lehrer, a novelist and wife of former PBS News anchor Jim Lehrer, who is from Wichita. The Manchester was christened by New Hampshire's senior U.S. Senator, Jeanne Shaheen.

Also named this year was the Navy's second stealth destroyer, the USS Michael Monsoor, named for a former Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor winner who jumped on a grenade in 2006 in Iraq to save his squad.  The ship was christened by his mother. 

It's that tradition of valor and service that Carnival will be tapping into on Nov. 4 when Barber names the Carnival Vista.

Carnival planned the New York City event as a tribute to the military, a group that the cruise industry has increasingly courted. Hundreds of military families were invited to overnight on the ship and attend a gala honoring Operation Homefront, a nonprofit that provides assistance to the families of service members, and featuring a concert by country music super star Carrie Underwood.

Barber will be the icing on the cake. 

The daughter of a retired Army master sergeant who was a member of the special forces, Barber currently serves as logistics commander for the 988th Quartermaster Detachment Unit in Rockville, Md.

She also happens to be the reigning Miss USA. 

Carnival has had beauty queens name its ships before - Miss Universe Yvonne Ryding christened the Jubilee in 1986. It has had a soldier - Iraq POW Jessica Lynch named the Miracle in 2004. And it has had an African-American godmother before - Tracy Wilson Mourning, wife of former Miami Heat center Alonzo Mourning, named the Carnival Breeze in 2012. 

That Barber is all three certainly makes her a distinguished choice. 

The U.S. military is disproportionately rural and Southern, according to demographic studies. As a cruise line with 10 home ports stretching from Galveston to Norfolk and drawing from most of the southern states, Carnival is smart to make the military a target market.

Pitbull to christen Norwegian Escape

In a break with tradition, Norwegian Cruise Line has picked a godfather rather than a godmother to christen its newest ship, Norwegian Escape.

The choice is Miami-based musician Pitbull, who will also perform at the ceremony scheduled for Nov. 9.

Pitbull also performed at the inaugural ceremonies for Norwegian Getaway when it was introduced in Miami in February 2014.

In an announcement, Norwegian said the selection of Pitbull as the ship’s godfather "reinforces Norwegian’s nontraditional cruising that focuses on freedom and flexibility for guests.”

Norwegian Getaway’s godmothers were the Miami Dolphins cheerleaders.

Pitbull is a stage name for Armando Christian Perez. The rapper and record producer has sold 6 million albums and 70 million singles, Norwegian said.

British travel agent to be Anthem godmother

Emma Wilby will christen the Royal Caribbean ship and sing for an audience of about 1,300.

Royal Caribbean International picked a 27-year-old travel agent to dedicate Anthem of the Seas in Southampton, England, later this month, underscoring the cruise line's connections to the trade and to young travel agents in particular.

Emma Wilby, an agent at Thomson Holidays, is from Sunderland, near Newcastle in the North East of England. She will christen the ship and sing for an audience of about 1,300 invited to the April 20 event.

Royal Caribbean said Wilby is a military wife and budding singer who performs in the Military Wives Choir in Kinloss, Scotland, where she is based with her husband, a Royal Engineer for the British Army.

She was picked from a large group of agents who applied for the honor, Royal Caribbean Chairman Richard Fain said.

"We thank all travel agents, who we value and are honoring by naming a fellow travel agent as the godmother of our newest ship,” Fain said.

Anthem will sail in Europe from April through the fall before moving to its permanent home port at New Jersey’s Cape Liberty.

The Queen confirmed as godmother of new P&O Cruises ship

P&O Cruises has confirmed that The Queen will officially name the line’s new ship Britannia on Tuesday, March 10.

The announcement confirms speculation that the Queen would be performing the honours in Southampton. She will be accompanied at the naming by the Duke of Edinburgh.

Carnival UK chairman David Dingle said: “We are honoured and proud that Her Majesty will name Britannia almost 20 years after she named the P&O Cruises ship Oriana.

“Britannia, a ship for the nation, will be the embodiment of contemporary Britain, and with her Union Jack livery she will fly the flag for Britain across the Globe.”

The biggest ship designed exclusively for Britain, Britannia is P&O Cruises’ latest vessel.

The ship will include a focus on cuisine, with 'Food Heroes' James Martin, Marco Pierre White, Atul Kochhar, Eric Lanlard, wine expert Olly Smith and cheese expert Charlie Turnbull all contributing to restaurants onboard.

Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, names Royal Princess

By Tom Stieghorst

SOUTHAMPTON, England -- Under a gray but rain-free sky, a crowd of several hundred witnessed the official naming of the Royal Princess, the newest Princess Cruises ship, by British royalty. Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, was the godmother. (Click here or on the photo to view images from the event.)

The duchess snipped a cord that sent a magnum of champagne to break on the bow of the ship and triggered a blizzard of blue and white confetti.

The 3,560-passenger ship received a blessing from the Right Reverend Tim Dakin, Bishop of Winchester, who asked God for his "blessing on all who sail in her."

The ship's captain, Tony Draper, assisted the duchess, bowing slightly and asking, "Your highness, will you name my ship?"

Dark clouds had threatened to move the christening indoors, but by 11:30 a.m. London time, they had lifted enough to allow the planned dock-side pageantry to go forward.

The entertainment included the Pipers of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards, and the Royal Marines Band Portsmouth, as well as contemporary singers Natasha Bedingfield and Kerry Ellis.

As is customary, many of the British women in the audience were decked out in hats and feathery headpieces called fascinators for the occasion. 

Royal Caribbean names Quantum of the Seas godmother

By Phil Davies

Emmy-winning US actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth is to be godmother to Royal Caribbean International's new cruise ship Quantum of the Seas.

The 4,100-passenger vessel is due to enter service in autumn 2014 followed by sister ship Anthem of the Seas in spring 2015.

Chenoweth and host Seth MacFarlane sang the closing number at last night’s Oscars ceremony in Hollywood with the cruise line announcing her involvement in the new ship in adverts on US television during coverage of the awards.

Chenoweth was chosen for her effervescent personality and ability to wow audiences, the cruise line said.

“Her versatile range of roles made her a natural fit, given that Quantum of the Seas, set to debut in fall 2014, is poised to introduce unprecedented experiences and amenities only attainable on Royal Caribbean International,” the company added.

Chief executive Adam Goldstein said: "Our ships have always been designed for WOW and with Quantum of Seas, we are excited to introduce Quantum cruising and the 'at sea' firsts that our guests have come to expect from Royal Caribbean.

"We look forward to working with Kristen and having her officially name our ship when she is delivered in the fall of 2014."

Chenoweth said: "I think the Royal Caribbean brand is the perfect match for me, especially with their history of providing exceptional entertainment experiences to their guests."