By 
“The tradition of appointing a ship’s godmother is a cherished nautical custom. Traditionally, the godmother would perform a ceremonial breaking of a champagne bottle on the ship’s bow, wishing the vessel and its travelers good fortune. This practice dates back to ancient times when pagan priests conducted blood rites. Thankfully, modern ceremonies replaced these rites with royal pomp and champagne.
Today, one of the highest-ranking figures to have served as a ship’s godmother is Queen Elizabeth II. She has christened two Cunard ships, the Queen Mary 2 in 2004 and the Queen Elizabeth in 2010, and also served as godmother to Britannia from the P&O fleet.
Recently, the trend has shifted from heads of state to celebrities and successful businesswomen. This shift is exemplified by some of the latest cruise ships that have had their godmothers make headlines. Here’s a look at the most recent ships and the superstars who have been honored to christen them:
Katy Perry will make a splash as the godmother of Norwegian Cruise Line’s new ship, Prima. This will be the first time a ship is christened in Reykjavik, Iceland. Perry will not only perform at the christening but will also sail on Prima’s maiden voyage and entertain guests on board. The Prima is designed to offer an elevated cruising experience with luxurious staterooms, a spacious outdoor deck, and unique features like an infinity pool, the fastest slides at sea, and a three-level racetrack.
Sophia Loren, a glamorous icon, is the godmother of every MSC Cruises ship, totaling 18 so far. This winter, she will oversee the naming ceremony of the MSC Seascape in New York City. The Seascape will then sail from Miami, featuring six swimming pools and the largest MSC Yacht Club.
For Celebrity Cruises, Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, will be the godmother of the Celebrity Beyond. Celebrity Cruises chooses inspirational women for their godmothers, and Biles, known for her courage and achievements, fits this role perfectly. The Celebrity Beyond will boast two new specialty roles with Gwyneth Paltrow overseeing wellness programs and Chef Daniel Boulud opening his first restaurant at sea.
Oprah Winfrey, a powerful entrepreneur, served as both godmother and host for the Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam. This was her second sailing with the line, following a successful “”Girls Getaway Cruise”” in 2018 where she shared inspirational stories and hosted wellness sessions. Oprah praised the experience of connecting with people from around the world.
Jennifer Lopez has broken with tradition by becoming Virgin Voyages’ first Chief Entertainment and Lifestyle Officer. She’s involved in creating wellness programs and beauty products for the cruise line. Lopez’s role is significant, and she introduced her wellness and fitness program on the Valiant Lady, an adults-only cruise ship. The Sea Terrace cabins enhance relaxation with ocean-facing balconies, mood lighting, and no children.
This evolving tradition highlights how cruise lines are embracing new ways to celebrate their ships with influential figures from various fields.”