Royal Caribbean Searches For A Hometown Hero In Education To Serve As Harmony Of The Seas' Godmother

A maritime tradition and honor historically reserved for heads of state, politicians, and celebrities, godmothers not only break a bottle to christen a ship, but also serve as guiding spirits to its guests and crew. Royal Caribbean looks to capture the essence of the role by choosing women whose life lessons and achievements illustrate the kind of courage, dedication, and determination that are an inspiration to all.

Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas, may boast seven distinct neighborhoods, unparalleled dining and entertainment, and thrilling features like the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea, but there is one thing she is missing… her godmother. Harmony of the Seas will make her U.S. debut this November when she arrives into her new homeport of Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, introducing a new era of vacationing that will delight guests of all ages. To celebrate, the South Florida-based cruise line is partnering with South Florida ABC affiliate Local 10 to look in their own backyard for a woman who is inspiring the next generation to dream big, think differently and challenge the status quo, and has launched a contest to honor this hometown hero by naming her godmother of Harmony of the Seas.

South Florida residents are encouraged to visit local10.com/godmother and nominate a mentor, educator or teacher whose passion for education and a better tomorrow inspires students to make a positive impact on the world. The winner will not only be honored as godmother of Harmony of the Seas during the ship's official naming ceremony on Nov 10, 2016, but a $25,000 grant will also be awarded to her school or non-profit organization to fund education initiatives that will further her mission to inspire South Florida's youth. In addition, the godmother will have the opportunity to host a "field trip" for those whose lives she has influenced to be her guests at the Harmony of the Seas naming ceremony, and will set sail later that evening with three guests on a 2-night pre-inaugural cruise. She will also receive a future 7-night cruise for two on the ship. The contest is open to volunteers, full- and part-time employees at of a school or educational organization in Miami-Dade County, Broward County or Palm Beach County. Self-nominations are also accepted. Nominees must be legal residents of Florida and 21 years of age or older at time of nomination and nominators must be 13 years of age or older as of date of entry. Official Rules can be read by visiting local10.com/godmother. Nominations close on Sept 23, 2016.

"Royal Caribbean's legacy is built on a dream that began in a small trailer on Biscayne Boulevard," said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "That's why when we thought about the godmother for Harmony of the Seas, a ship that is not just the world's largest, but the ultimate expression of our history and future, we knew that we wanted to pay tribute to our roots and community with this designation. Who better to welcome Harmony home than an outstanding woman who is inspiring the dreamers and innovators of South Florida's next generation."

Harmony of the Seas will arrive at her homeport of Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, FL in November 2016, and will offer 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings. The newest member of the fleet will join sister ships Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, homeported in Port Canaveral and Port Everglades respectively, on the east coast of Florida.

Harmony of the Seas is the world's largest cruise ship featuring a bold lineup of exciting experiences, imaginative dining, unparalleled entertainment, and the latest technology, including VOOM, the fastest internet at sea. Harmony combines the iconic seven neighborhood concept that sister ships Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas are known for, with some of the most modern and groundbreaking amenities and offerings that will appeal to guests of all ages. From The Ultimate Abyss, a dramatic 10-story tall slide, to entertainment that includes Broadway's hit musical Grease, and distinct high diving, acrobatic performances in the ship's trademark Aqua Theater, sophisticated dining in venue's ranging from Jamie's Italian Cuisine by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver to Royal Caribbean's whimsical restaurant Wonderland, which is a unique culinary adventure for the senses, and robot bartenders, there is an adventure for everyone onboard Harmony of the Seas. The ship spans 16 guest decks, encompasses 227,000 gross registered tons, carries 5,497 guests at double occupancy, and features 2,747 staterooms. For more information about Harmony of the Seas, visit RoyalCaribbean.com/HarmonyoftheSeas.

For more information on the maritime tradition of ship godmothers and a list of those who have christened Royal Caribbean ships, visit royalhometownhero.com.

Harmony of the Seas Image Courtesy Royal Caribbean International