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Royal Caribbean picks new ship godmother after Diana Ross bails
Royal Caribbean picks new ship godmother after Diana Ross bails originally appeared on TravelHost.
Just a few days after music icon Diana Ross backed out of her role as godmother to Royal Caribbean's new Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, the cruise line announced a fitting replacement for the honor.
As Ross canceled her planned appearance at Star of the Seas' naming ceremony and showcase sailing on Aug. 20 citing unforeseen circumstances, Royal Caribbean scrambled to find a suitable new godmother for the revolutionary ship with just days to go before the big event.A cruise ship godmother is a meaningful role that's steeped in maritime tradition. During the ship's naming ceremony, the godmother participates in an iconic moment — christening the vessel by breaking a bottle of Champagne over its bow. The ceremonial act symbolically launches the ship with a blessing of good fortune and protection for all who sail on her.
Historically, the honorary title of cruise ship godmother has been given to influential women from royalty, Hollywood icons, and pop stars to legendary athletes and famous activists.
While many might have expected another music superstar to take the stage at Star of the Seas' naming ceremony as Ross bowed out, Royal Caribbean executives went in a different direction, drawing inspiration from the stars in the sky as they picked Star of the Seas' new Kellie Gerardi named godmother of Star of the Seas
Astronaut Kellie Gerardi, who inspires millions of followers on social media, will now serve as godmother for Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas.
'She's visited the stars, and now she's the Godmother of one. Research astronaut, payload specialist and mom Kellie Gerardi will join us to officially name and celebrate Star of the Seas, its crew, and the millions who will make memories on the world's best family vacation for years to come,' Royal Caribbean announced in a social media post on Aug. 15.
The 90th woman in history to visit space, Gerardi is also one of the world's first payload specialists to fly on a commercial spacecraft. One of USA Today's 2025 Women of the Year, Gerardi inspires girls to learn about space and shoot for the stars. She's a mom to daughter Delta V and author of the children's book series Luna Royal Caribbean fans applauded the cruise line for pivoting to pick a godmother worthy of out-of-this-world family vacations.
'Now this is a godmother. Someone the kids can look up to,' Cheryl Fields Rose commented on Royal Caribbean's Facebook post about Gerardi.
'This is a great pivot. Love seeing women in science too! Such a great role model,' Amy Krieger of the Seas offers family vacations from the Space Coast
Gerardi is from Jupiter, Florida, not far from the Space Coast and Port Canaveral, where Star of the Seas will launch its inaugural season of seven-night Caribbean cruises with stops to Royal Caribbean's popular Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.
Star of the Seas is designed for family memory-making, offering adventures for all ages and vacation styles on one of the world's largest and most advanced cruise ships. The new ship promises a balance of both exhilarating and relaxing vacation experiences across eight neighborhoods, from thrilling drops down Category 6 waterpark's six waterslides to plenty of space to chill across seven pools. Families can enjoy more than 40 food and beverage venues, including new Chicago-inspired Lincoln Park Supper of the Seas will offer an all-day entertainment lineup to keep families on the edge of their seats throughout their sailings. The show-stopping new ship will feature five signature shows across stage, air, water, and ice, including an electrifying ride through time with 'Back to the Future: The Musical.'
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
, or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Aug 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
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