From the very beginning of maritime history, it has been tradition to christen a ship before its first sailing. This ritual aims to bring good fortune and protection to the vessel and its crew, typically carried out by a woman. Historically, the role of the "sponsor" was first reserved for religious figures, then female royalty, high society or the wives of wealthy ship owners, who were believed to bring "good luck and feminine grace" to the voyage.
Today, this tradition has evolved to reflect our modern celebrity culture. While the core purpose remains a wish for smooth sailing and a bon voyage, now, the titles of cruise ship godmothers are held by a wide variety of famous faces from around the world.
The naming ceremony itself is a huge event; the highlight is the champagne smash, where a bottle of bubbly is broken against the ship’s hull. This serves as the official "birth" of the vessel. Beyond the Christening, the leading lady remains a lifelong ambassador and the "face" of the ship, linking the ancient maritime tradition with the excitement and sparkle of the 21st-century travel industry.
Here is a list of 10 cruise ship celebrity godmothers you may not even know about:
Contents:
- Nicole Sherzinger - Godmother for P&O Arvia
- Kate Middleton - Godmother for the Royal Princess
- Oprah Winfrey - Godmother of Holland America Nieuw Statendam
- Katy Perry - Godmother for Norwegian Prima
- Meghan Trainor - Godmother for Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas
- Sophia Loren - Godmother of all of the MSC ships
- Dame Kelly Holmes - Godmother for P&O Arcadia
- Pitbull - Godfather of Norwegian Escape
- Captain Sandy Yawn - Godmother of Celebrity Ascent
- Lionel Messi - Godfather of Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas
1. Nicole Sherzinger - Godmother for P&O Arvia
Music icon Nicole Scherzinger brings her star energy to P&O Arvia as its official godmother, having performed a spectacular live concert on the ship’s top deck during its naming ceremony in Barbados in March 2023. This 18-deck ship boasts the first-ever Altitude Skywalk, a high-ropes course suspended 54 metres above the ocean. Between the world-class performances at the SkyDome and the panoramic views from the aft-facing Sunset Bar, Arvia perfectly blends traditional British charm with next-gen luxury.
Check out our exclusive deals on P&O Arvia here.
2. Kate Middleton - Godmother for the Royal Princess
In 2013, the Royal Princess was officially welcomed by its regal godmother, Catherine, Princess of Wales, who christened the ship in Southampton with a traditional champagne smash accompanied by the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines. A highlight of this vessel is the SeaWalk, a glass-bottomed walkway extending 28 feet over the ship's edge for breathtaking ocean views. This VIP atmosphere continues through the ship's dining, featuring the Italian flavours of Sabatini’s and the gourmet excellence of the Crown Grill.
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3. Oprah Winfrey - Godmother of Holland America Nieuw Statendam
Media icon Oprah Winfrey brought her "O-Mazing" energy to Nieuw Statendam as its official godmother in early 2019. Whilst hosting a special "Girls’ Getaway" cruise, Oprah officially christened the ship in a ceremony at the ship’s World Stage, where she pushed a button to smash the traditional bottle of champagne against the hull. As a Pinnacle-class flagship, the ship’s design is inspired by the curves of musical instruments and features the vibrant Music Walk, where guests can enjoy everything from blues to rock.
Browse the latest itineraries on Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam here.
4. Katy Perry - Godmother for Norwegian Prima
Global pop sensation Katy Perry brings her star power to the 20-deck Norwegian Prima as its official godmother. At the ship's 2022 christening in Reykjavik, Katy lit up the stage with an incredible performance before officially naming the vessel and smashing the ceremonial champagne bottle. This ship is packed with world-class entertainment, featuring the industry’s first free-fall slide, The Drop, and a huge multi-level go-karting racetrack known as the Speedway. The Galaxy Pavilion offers a virtual world with high-tech racing simulators and the first flying theatre at sea.
Fancy a getaway on the Norwegian Prima? See our top offers here.
5. Meghan Trainor - Godmother for Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas
Chart-topping favourite Meghan Trainor brings her "All About That Bass" energy to Utopia of the Seas as its official godmother. During the ship's naming ceremony in July 2024, the vessel was officially christened with a traditional champagne smash following an exclusive live concert performed by Meghan on the open deck. As the ultimate "Weekend Ship," Utopia features the record-breaking Ultimate Abyss, the longest dry slide at sea, plummeting riders down 10 decks. Spanning 18 decks, the ship offers over 40 dining and bar options, world-class diving shows in the AquaTheater and the FlowRider surf simulator.
Make this your year of adventure, discover Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas itineraries.
6. Sophia Loren - Godmother of all of the MSC ships
As the "First Lady of the Fleet," Italian actress and Hollywood icon Sophia Loren holds the unique distinction of being the godmother to 18 ships in the MSC Cruises family. With a career spanning over 70 years, the Oscar-winner brings the timeless glamour of Hollywood to every naming ceremony, a tradition she has upheld since 2003. MSC Cruises itself is celebrated for its authentic Mediterranean heritage and commitment to luxury, showcased in its MSC Yacht Club, an exclusive "ship-within-a-ship" sanctuary offering 24-hour butler service.
Secure your place on board and view our selection of MSC sailings here.
7. Dame Kelly Holmes - Godmother for P&O Arcadia
Double Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes serves as the godmother of P&O Arcadia, having christened the ship in 2005 with a ceremony and a dramatic champagne smash. The ship is renowned for its sophisticated ambience, which includes the popular Ocean Grill by Marco Pierre White and the spectacular shows at The Palladium. While typically an adults-only vessel, a landmark change in December 2026 will introduce select family-friendly holiday sailings. A highlight of any voyage remains the signature gin-tasting masterclass, where guests can sample P&O’s exclusive Marabelle Gin.
Plan your next grand adventure, explore the cruises on P&O Arcadia here.
8. Pitbull - Godfather of Norwegian Escape
Global superstar and "Mr Worldwide," Pitbull, was named the first godfather of the Norwegian Escape, emphasising Norwegian Cruise Line’s non-traditional branding. At the ship's 2015 christening in Miami, the Grammy-winning rapper delivered a live performance of his greatest hits before officially naming the vessel in true 305 style. This 20-deck flagship is a paradise for thrill-seekers, featuring a huge Ropes Course with two "Planks" that extend over the side of the ship and the fastest water slides at sea.
Your own worldwide adventure starts here. Browse our Norwegian Escape specials.
9. Captain Sandy Yawn - Godmother of Celebrity Ascent
Below Deck star Captain Sandy Yawn brings her 30 years of maritime expertise to Celebrity Ascent as its co-Godmother. During the ship’s 2023 christening, Sandy joined her sister Michelle Dunham in a dual-naming ceremony that celebrated female leadership at sea. As a standout of the Edge Series, the ship features the iconic Magic Carpet, a platform that moves up and down 13 decks, transforming into a versatile venue, bar and restaurant while offering panoramic ocean views. With its luxury and cutting-edge style, Celebrity Ascent is a perfect tribute to a godmother who has spent her career breaking barriers in the industry.
Begin your cruise journey by browsing our Celebrity Ascent itineraries.
10. Lionel Messi - Godfather of Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas
In 2024, footballer Lionel Messi took on a historic role as the "Icon of the Icon" for Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. During the naming ceremony in Miami, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner officially christened the ship by placing a football on a podium to trigger a high-wire champagne smash. As the world's largest cruise ship, the 20-deck vessel features Category 6, the biggest waterpark at sea, and the AquaDome, which houses a 55-foot-tall waterfall, the tallest at sea.
Take a look at where Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas is heading next.
While A-list celebrities often take the position of leading lady or man, the world of ship godparents is becoming increasingly diverse, honouring "everyday heroes" as well as symbolic figures. Marella Cruises names its own dedicated, long-serving employees as godmothers, while Royal Caribbean appointed astronaut Kellie Gerardi for Star of the Seas. Some lines even choose to honour entire communities, such as Fred. Olsen dedicating Borealis to the City of Liverpool to celebrate their deep maritime heritage.
Ready to walk the same decks as these icons?
Book your next holiday to experience the very ships the stars have christened! From family-friendly adventures in the Caribbean and all-inclusive Mediterranean escapes to exotic Asian discoveries, there is a starlit voyage waiting for you.
