Travel tips

Cruise Ship godmothers are entrusted with the guidance of the ship to and around their destinations, by blessing the ship, for the safety of its crew and passengers throughout their journey. For the past 4,000 years, the tradition of christening or naming a ship has taken place. Royalty, well known celebrities and even a Disney character have been honoured as godmothers of ships.
Traditionally champagne or sparkling wine is broken against the ship’s hull; this was however, not always the case with Viking boats being marked with human sacrifices.

In France in the 20th century, ships were subject to ceremonies similar to those in marriage and baptisms. Priests blessed the ships, whilst men were given the title ‘godfather’, they would hand the godmother flowers,  then they would together say the ships name in order to bless it.
 
With the phenomenon of the celebrity status, it is now that we see naming ceremonies turned into glitzy events with red carpet and media attention, the cruise lines can use the opportunity to promote the cruise and the ship, whilst keeping the public interested with well known faces which we are all familiar with.

Possibly the most well known godmother, Queen Elizabeth II christened Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, on a cold, rainy day in January 2004. Queen Elizabeth took to the stage wearing a fuchsia coat and purple hat with fuchsia rim. After making a speech, she broke the champagne, which was followed by a firework display and the bagpipes playing.

Oscar winner and well known actress Helen Mirren, was named godmother of P&O’s newest addition to the fleet Ventura in April 2008, however, instead of the usual champagne breaking by the press of a button, she was joined by a team of Royal Marine Commandos abseiling.

In 1999, the first “Fairy Godmother” was named, with Tinkerbell being made Godmother of Disney Wonder, as she flew along the ship she sprinkled pixie dust. Her involvement was kept top secret until the last minute and took everyone by surprise.

It took British actress Dame Judi Dench three attempts to smash a bottle of champagne against the Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Legend. In her last attempt, she soaked herself, earning the nickname Dame Judi Drench.

One controversial choice of cruise ship godmothers was Holland Americas Zaandam in 2000. American child star twins Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen were given the honour, they were in fact too young to cruise alone and also, unable to drink the champagne as they were under 21 years of age. This was an attempt to appeal to the younger people, to introduce cruise to a new generation.

The most recent addition to the fraternity of Cruise Ship godmothers is Mylene Klass, the ex Hear Say member and television presenter, will be attending the naming ceremony of the new superliner Carnival Splendor on July 10th, at Dover Cruise Port. Instead of the traditional champagne, English Sparkling Wine will be used.

Louise Calder who was selected for Godmother of Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas was unique in that she was “voted” into the position of godmother in a nationwide contest sponsored by “Today” and Royal Caribbean; she and two other finalists were selected from a pool of over 6,000 nominees. Calder has provided foster care for over 400 children over the last 27 years.

The tradition of the Cruise Ship Godmother is an important role and one that we have seen has much historical value, blessing the ship for its voyages ahead, the Godmother is entrusted and honoured to be a part of this. The people who bless these ships have changed reflecting the cultural shift in society.

In December 2009, Royal Caribbean is introducing the new addition to their fleet, the world’s largest and most revolutionary ship Oasis of the Seas. Who will the godmother be? If I had the chance to pick the ships godmother, I would choose Sir Elton John. With his worldwide appeal across all age groups, and his flamboyant personality, this must go hand in hand with the new innovations on Oasis of The Seas.
However, Elton John is not female, but if anyone could pull this honour off, it has to be him.

Author: Laura Scott

About the Author:

An experienced cruiser and website editor who writes articles for www.insidecruise.co.uk and on occasions for www.idealcruising.co.uk magazine.