Astronaut Kellie Gerardi named godmother of Royal Caribbean’s new ship

Royal Caribbean has named astronaut Kellie Gerardi as the godmother of its newest ship, Star of the Seas, after Motown legend Diana Ross withdrew from the role due to “unforeseen circumstances”.

 

Gerardi, recognised as the 90th woman to travel to space and currently working with Virgin Galactic, is based in Port Canaveral, making her a fitting choice for Star of the Seas. 

 

Royal Caribbean’s president Michael Bayley explained: “We were saying it would be great to have a connection with Port Canaveral and someone who has been to space for Star of the Seas. 

 

“We have found a wonderful lady astronaut Kellie Gerardi and we are delighted she has confirmed.”

 

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A trailblazer in bioastronautics and a passionate STEM advocate, Gerardi was recently honoured as a USA Today Woman of the Year and appeared on the prestigious Time100 Creator list. 

 

“Kellie brings a spirit of exploration that aligns perfectly with Royal Caribbean’s mission to provide the best vacations around the world, a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean said.

 

Gerardi will attend the vessel’s official naming ceremony in the AquaTheater at Port Canaveral, Florida, on 20 August, ahead of the Icon Class ship’s eagerly awaited maiden voyage later that month. 

 

With a capacity for 5,610 passengers, Star of the Seas will sail seven-night itineraries through the eastern and western Caribbean, featuring stops at popular destinations such as Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.

 

The ship will feature updated accommodations, as well as more than 40 food, drink and entertainment venues spread across eight distinct neighbourhoods, five stage shows and a Category 6 waterpark, the world’s largest at sea with six record-setting slides. 

 

Four pools will include the largest swimming pool and swim-up bar at sea, the latter being a first for Royal Caribbean.

 

Entertainment options abound, from acrobatic performances at the AquaTheater to the spectacular Absolute Zero ice skating show and Central Park, an open-air garden featuring over 30,500 plants and trees.

 

To partner with Royal Caribbean Arabia call UAE +971 4 331 4299, KSA 800 897 1419, or email book@rccl.ae. For more information, visit www.royalcaribbean.ae