Cruise Ship Christenings

If you've been reading the Cruise Diva Blog for the past several weeks (and if you haven't, why not?), you know that the Diva has covered two new ship christenings that couldn't have been less similar. The celebration to name Holland America Line's Eurodam was very traditional, with Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands doing the honors. In an edgier, but no less authentic celebration, Carnival Cruise Lines' Carnival Splendor was blessed by British musician and celebrity Myleene Klaas with the assistance of Royal Navy diver Petty Officer Christian Rumming.

In both instances, those new ships were blessed by Godmothers. A distinction usually reserved for a female celebrity or otherwise noteworthy personality, being named Godmother is an honor that is recognized for the duration of every ship's seagoing life. In an interesting twist on tradition, for the highly anticipated launch of Seabourn Odyssey–the cruise industry’s first luxury vessel to be launched in six years and the newest member of the Yachts of Seabourn fleet–there will be 450 Godparents. Each passenger aboard Seabourn Odyssey’s maiden voyage, scheduled to depart Venice, Italy, will have his or her name engraved on a plaque to be displayed on board the sleek new vessel. The plan is that an early-evening ceremony to christen the new yacht on June 24, 2009 will coincide with the summer sunset over the domes and steeples of Venice’s skyline–with all Godparents taking part in the momentous event.

If you've always wanted a floating “godchild” to call your own, yet aren't royalty, a pop star, or even female, it isn't too late to get on board. Contact Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com to secure one of the few remaining suites.

Photo Courtesy of The Yachts of Seabourn