Royal Caribbean Hunts for First-Ever British Godmother for 'Independence of the Seas'

Royal Caribbean Intl has launched a nationwide search for a British Godmother to reign over the cruise line's newest and largest ship, Independence of the Seas, when she launches in Southampton, next month (April 2008). Sir Steve Redgrave, five-time Olympic gold medallist and figure head of the Steve Redgrave Fund, will front the cruise line's search for Independence of the Seas' Godmother. Royal Caribbean Intl began its nationwide call for Godmother nominations on Monday, March 24, 2008, working in conjunction with ITV, the UK's biggest commercial television station.

The role of a Godmother is typically reserved for dignitaries or celebrities. Past Royal Caribbean Godmothers have included Her Majesty Queen Sonja of Norway, Lauren Bacall, Whoopi Goldberg, Gloria Estefan, Steffi Graff and champion wheelchair marathoner Jean Driscoll. Unusually, Royal Caribbean Intl is calling for an ordinary British woman who has done extraordinary things to become Godmother to the new Independence of the Seas this April. This special Godmother will demonstrate how she has gone above and beyond the call of duty and dedicated incredible time and effort to improve the well-being and future of young people under 18 years old in her community.

"Independence of the Seas is part of a family of the largest and most innovative ships in the industry, enjoyed by families and young people on holiday around the world. As our commitment to the UK and Europe grows in line with demand for our cruises, and to mark the arrival of Independence of the Seas into Southampton, we wanted to create an extra-ordinary inaugural celebration to showcase our commitment to the UK market. Our search for a British Godmother who demonstrates an extraordinary passion for young people is just that," said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Intl.

All potential Godmothers must be nominated via a dedicated SearchForGodmother website. To enter, applicants must explain in 250 words or less why they, or someone they know, would be the ideal Godmother for Independence of the Seas. A special panel of judges including Royal Caribbean Intl executives, guest judges and Sir Steve Redgrave, will select the ships' Godmother. In addition to being godmother to Independence of the Seas, where she will have a formal portrait of herself displayed onboard the new ship, the woman selected will receive an honorary role in the official ship naming ceremonies, including participation in the ribbon-cutting and a VIP experience onboard Independence of the Seas' inaugural voyage. She also will receive a decade of cruising for two with Royal Caribbean Intl.

Independence of the Seas will launch in Southampton April 2008 weighing in at 160,000 GRT, with a capacity of 3,634 guests. The third in Royal Caribbean's Freedom-class of ships, and part of the family of the largest cruise ships in the world, Independence of the Seas feature some of the distinctive features the global cruise line is known for including: a FlowRider surf simulator; an ice-skating rink; an interactive H20 Zone water park for families; cantilevered whirlpools suspended 112 ft. above the ocean; a rock-climbing wall; and the Royal Promenade, an entertainment boulevard stretching across the length of the ship.