Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo! The Godmothers (and Godfathers) of the World of Cruise Ships

Once upon a time when a ship was first launched, the Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans would call upon their deities or gods to bless the ship to keep the seamen safe during their voyages.

Fast forward to the 21st century and the maritime traditions remain. It has become customary for an iconic woman (or man) to christen a new cruise ship at a launch ceremony by breaking a champagne bottle on its bow and bestowing blessings upon the new vessel for good luck and safe travels. In 1989, Audrey Hepburn was the first actress to be a Godmother of the Star Princess, ushering in a new era of celebrities in the role, because they bring media attention to the ships.

It is a lifetime title and prestigious honor to serve as a Godmother or Godfather.

Cruise Planners CEO and founder Michelle Fee christened AmaWaterways AmaSerena in 2015. 

Vicky Garcia, COO and co-owner of Cruise Planners, was appointed Godmother of Viking Cruises European longship Viking Magni the prior year.

Michelle and Vicky are both shining stars and a driving force in the travel industry who exemplifies the personality and character identified with the ship.

Here is an eclectic list of godmothers and godfathers we love (in no particular order):

Malala Yousafzai – Godmother of Celebrity Edge (Celebrity Cruises)
In 2018, the youngest Nobel Peace prize winner Malala Yousafzai, an advocate for female education and empowerment was revealed to be the Godmother of Celebrity Edge. Celebrity Cruises has used its new ship debuts as opportunities to honor brave women and raise awareness and has partnered with the Malala Fund to champion the global right to education.

Oprah Winfrey – Godmother of MS Nieuw Statendam (Holland America Line)
Oprah Winfrey is known for many great things. She’s a media mogul, film actress, television icon and philanthropist. Oprah took her first cruise in 2017 with Holland America Line when she partnered up with the cruise line to tweak the programming of the company’s fleet aptly named Adventures of Your Life Cruises. Guests loved the Oprah experience, which includes picking one of Oprah’s Favorite Things, borrowing a copy of Oprah’s Book Club Selection, or thinking about your daily intensions while you’re meditating.

Elizabeth Gilbert – Godmother of Envision (Avalon Waterways)
Author of the New York Times bestselling memoir “Eat, Pray, Love,” Elizabeth Gilbert wrote about traveling the world alone after a divorce. Who would be better to serve as godmother than a visionary traveler? Elizabeth christened the Avalon Envision earlier this year.

Pitbull – Godfather of Escape and Elvis Duran – Godfather of Bliss (Norwegian Cruise Line)
When Norwegian Cruise Line picked rapper Pitbull to christen the Norwegian Escape in 2015, they broke the mold of a cruise ship “godmother” because it is highly unusual to pick a man for the role. Mr. 305 was a sensational promoter of the Norwegian brand, so Norwegian decided to pick another godfather in 2017 and named nationally syndicated radio and digital personality Elvis Duran from “Elvis Duran and the Morning Show” as the Godfather to Norwegian Bliss.

Sophia Loren – Godmother of Bellissima (MSC Cruises)
Legendary Italian actress Sophia Loren is no stranger to the esteemed role of Godmother. She became a Godmother to her 14th cruise ship of the MSC Bellissima earlier this year in 2019. She’s a lifelong friend of the Aponte family who owns MSC Cruises and was first asked to be a cruise ship godmother for the MSC Lirica in 2003. No other woman in history has been chosen for this honor as many times as Sophia.

At Cruise Planners, we love guessing who each line will pick for its newest ship as the leading lady (or man), what personality the ship is imparted with, and watching the star-studded send off for each new vessel.