When a new cruise ship is launched, one of the most cherished maritime traditions is appointing a godparent—a figure who christens the vessel, smashes the ceremonial champagne bottle, and symbolically blesses it for safe voyages. Known historically as “ship sponsors,” godparents embody the brand’s values and add glamour, gravitas, or inspiration to a ship’s debut. From royalty and Hollywood legends to Nobel Prize winners and even fictional characters, these figures have become a vital part of cruise culture, linking each ship to a story that travels with it.
What is a Cruise Ship Godparent?
A cruise ship godparent is an honorary figure chosen to represent the spirit of a new vessel. Traditionally, their role includes christening the ship- often by breaking a champagne bottle against the hull- and offering blessings for safe and prosperous journeys. Today, cruise lines select godparents who reflect their brand identity, from beloved entertainers and athletes to philanthropists and cultural icons, adding a touch of personality and prestige to the ship's story.
Cunard Line
• Queen Elizabeth II – Served as godmother to multiple Cunard ships (such as Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2), reinforcing Cunard’s strong ties to British heritage and royal prestige.
• Princess Diana – Christened Royal Princess in 1984, bringing international spotlight and royal glamour to the event.
Princess Cruises
• Audrey Hepburn – Christened Star Princess in 1989, making history as the first Hollywood actress ever to serve as a cruise ship godmother—a milestone that sparked the modern tradition of celebrity ship christenings.
• Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge – Named Royal Princess in 2013 with a grand champagne-bottle ceremony at Southampton that echoed her royal status.
• Hannah Waddingham – Appointed godmother of Sun Princess in 2024, continuing Princess Cruises’ tradition of pairing beloved stars with their ships.
Crystal Cruises
• Julie Andrews – Godmother of Crystal Serenity in 2003, her refined presence complemented Crystal’s ultra-luxury branding.
• Mary Tyler Moore – Christened Crystal Harmony in 1990, linking a beloved TV icon to the cruise line’s early expansion.
Norwegian Cruise Line
• Reba McEntire – Chosen as godmother for Norwegian Epic in 2010, her entertainment roots matched the ship’s high-show ambitions.
• Katy Perry - Named godmother of Norwegian Prima in 2022 and performed during the ceremony, reinforcing NCL’s flair for spectacle.
• Kim Cattrall - Christened Norwegian Dawn in 2002, bringing a chic, cosmopolitan sensibility to the naming.
Celebrity Cruises
• Malala Yousafzai - The Nobel Peace Prize laureate became godmother of Celebrity Edge in 2018, symbolizing Celebrity’s focus on empowerment and progress.
• Simone Biles - Appointed godmother of Celebrity Beyond in 2022, representing excellence, resilience, and inspiration at sea.
Royal Caribbean
• Whoopi Goldberg - Named Serenade of the Seas in 2003, infusing the cruise line with global recognition and entertainment pedigree.
• Meghan Trainor - Godmother of Utopia of the Seas in 2024, marking the debut with a live performance and festive celebration.
Disney Cruise Line
• Meghan Trainor - Christened Disney Fantasy in 2012, her dramatic voice and star power matched the theatrical spirit of Disney cruises.
• Meghan Trainor - Godmother of Disney Dream in 2011 — especially fitting since she once sang aboard Disney Cruise Line before her rise to fame.
• Tinker Bell - Designated as the symbolic godmother of Disney Wonder in 1999, her presence captured the brand’s sense of magic and imagination.
Holland America Line
• Oprah Winfrey - Godmother of Nieuw Statendam in 2018, hosting branded onboard events and aligning HAL with her cultural influence.
• Queen Máxima of the Netherlands - Christened Koningsdam in 2016, an elegant nod to HAL’s Dutch origins.
A Legacy of Blessings at Sea
Cruise ship godparents represent more than just a name. They link the ship to a public persona, embody the brand’s values, and serve as a symbolic blessing of good fortune on every voyage. Whether it’s royalty, a music icon, an activist, or even a beloved fictional character — a godparent adds narrative, prestige, and a human face to the ship’s identity.