19 November 2009

Biggest ship gets not one, but seven godmothers

Olympic medallists, a singer and actresses are among the seven godmothers chosen to help launch the world’s largest cruise ship.

Instead of the traditional single godmother, Oasis of the Seas is involving multiple personalities to reflect the 5,400-passenger ship’s seven different ‘neighbourhoods’ on board.

The godmothers include singer Gloria Estefan, actress Jane Seymour, Olympic figure skater Michele Kwan, Olympic swimmer Dara Torres and Olympic medal winner Shawn Johnson.

They will be involved in the formal naming ceremony of the Royal Caribbean International ship on November 30 before it enters service on December 5 running seven-night Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale in Florida.

The seven women will take their posts to officially name the ship during a one-night inaugural celebration-fundraiser to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which supports children with life-threatening medical conditions.

The cruise line’s chairman and CEO Richard Fain said: "It is a humbling and equally exciting privilege to have these seven exemplary women take on the responsibility of being godmothers of Oasis of the Seas.

"We felt it only fitting that our most revolutionary ship be named by an outstanding group of women who embody the same excellence in their respective fields."

by Phil Davies