Why Do Cruise Ships Have Godmothers?
Many people are not aware of the cruise ship godmother involved in the christening of each new ship. The ceremony of naming and christening a new vessel dates back to the time of ancient Greece and maybe earlier. It was believed a terrible fate was attached to an un-christened ship at sea! The superstition was widely held in ancient times, and ships were christened with a blood sacrifice. In modern times, bubbly champagne is the christening liquid of choice amid a lavish public celebration.
Curious which who some of the cruise ship godmothers are? Keep reading for a list of some of the cruise ship godmothers of your favorite cruise lines!
Godmother of Disney Ships
Each of Disney’s cruise ships has a celebrity godmother, including one fairy. There is not a single godmother of Disney ships. All the godmothers and their ships are:
- Disney Magic – Patty Disney
- Disney Wonder – Tinker Bell
- Disney Dream – Jennifer Hudson
- Disney Fantasy – Mariah Carey
When Tinker Bell was named godmother of the Disney Wonder, she flew alongside the ship and sprinkled pixie dust during the christening ceremony. It was a special honor for Jennifer Hudson to be chosen to be the Disney Dream godmother as she started her singing career on the Disney Wonder.
Norwegian Cruise Line Godmothers
The Norwegian Cruise Line godmothers include two godfathers, Elvis Duran and Pitbull. Group godmothers include the Rockettes and the Miami Dolphin Cheerleaders. First Lady Melania Trump is godmother of the Norwegian Jewell and the U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao is the godmother of the Pride of America. Other Norwegian Cruise Line godmothers include:
- Norwegian Dawn – Kim Cattrall
- Norwegian Epic – Reba McEntire
- Norwegian Gem – Cindy Cardella
- Norwegian Pearl – Rosie O’Donnell
- Norwegian Star – Brooke Burke
- Norwegian Sun – Angela Baraquio
- Pride of Aloha – Mrs. Margaret Awamura Inouye
Godmothers are honored and chosen to bring good luck and protection to the ship, and their duties are very easy. They attend the launch and naming ceremony to bless the ship. When a button is pushed, a bottle of champagne is triggered to swing down and break on the bow of the ship. Having a celebrity godmother, group of godmothers, or a godfather is great publicity for a new ship.