Royal Caribbean picks iconic godmother; Virgin Voyages faces issue
A music icon is joining the Royal Caribbean family, and Virgin Voyages is dealing with mechanical problems on one of its cruise ships.
Being selected as a cruise ship’s godmother (or godfather) is a great honor — one that’s historically been bestowed upon influential women from royalty and Hollywood stars to athletes and inspiring activists, and even Tinker Bell.
Rooted in maritime tradition, the appointment of a cruise ship’s honorary godmother is a meaning-filled practice that’s central to the launch of every ship. Becoming a cruise ship’s godmother doesn't require a big commitment, but it’s a special role.
Related: Royal Caribbean legend steps down from key position
A cruise ship’s godparent participates in the ceremony to officially name and christen the vessel. During the naming ceremony, the godparent traditionally breaks a bottle of Champagne over the ship’s bow to bless the new vessel with good luck and protection for all who sail on her.
For Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, this christening act was performed by soccer superstar Lionel Messi. Now, a music icon has been selected to fill the important role for its sister ship, Star of the Seas.
Doug Parker shared details on Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship godmother, and other cruise news including mechanical troubles impacting Virgin Voyages’ sailings, on the June 6th edition of Cruise News Today.
Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.
Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady faces mechanical problems
Transcript:
This is Cruise News Today with Doug Parker.
Good morning, here's your cruise news for Friday, June 6th.
Virgin Voyages is adjusting the itinerary for Valiant Lady just right before departure, actually.
Today's sailing of the Dominican Daze cruise will now skip Puerto Plata and instead call on Grand Turk due to engine maintenance. The arrival time in Bimini, Bahamas has also moved up an hour. Virgin says there's no compensation plan, but new excursions are being offered for Grand Turk.
The change follows a recent onboard power outage that happened last Thursday, raising concerns about ongoing mechanical issues with the ship.
Related: What the CDC's Dengue Fever warning means for Caribbean travel
Royal Caribbean chooses fitting godmother for its new Icon-Class ship
Royal Caribbean has named music legend Diana Ross as godmother of its newest ship, Star of Seas, set to debut in August. The ship, part of the line’s Icon Class, will sail from Port Canaveral and feature destinations like CocoCay in The Bahamas.
Ross will christen the ship in the Aqua Theater on the back of the vessel, continuing the maritime tradition of blessing the ship and its passengers.
Star of the Seas promises family-focused vacations with eight themed neighborhoods, a water park, pools, entertainment, and over 40 dining options.
Related: New travel alert issued for Carnival, Royal Caribbean cruise port
Holland America Line highlights its differences
And Holland America Line is setting itself apart in a new Caribbean campaign by focusing on what it doesn't offer.
The “Refreshingly Free” marketing campaign highlights the absence of amusement parks, massive crowds, and oversized ships, touting more of the mid-sized vessels, fewer guests, and relaxed atmosphere.
Holland America is pitching itself for Caribbean cruise passengers who want to slow down and savor the journey.
Related: Holland America Line boldly takes on Royal Caribbean
And the photo of the week comes from Daniel: Carnival Venezia leaving New York City.
What a great photo here, Daniel. You can send yours in photos@cruiseradio.net.
It’s a little rocky here on the ship.
If you have a lead on a story, let us know. Tips@cruiseradio.net.
Have yourself a great weekend.
Aboard Carnival Luminosa heading to southeast Alaska. I'm Doug Parker with Cruise News Today. Take care.
