What Have Audrey Hepburn, Margaret Thatcher and Angela Rippon Got in Common?

They are all Cruise Ship Godmothers!

Every time a new ship is set to launch we still love to guess who will be chosen, Godmothers lists are like reading through ‘Who’s Who’ list for the Rich and Famous (and also not so famous)

It is a tradition to have a famous name to christen and bless a new ship and become the Godmother (not so many have Godfathers…)

A ship Godmother by tradition is a well known face chosen to name the ship to bestow good luck and divine protection over the seagoing vessel and all that sail aboard, in today’s age of 24 hour news, naming ceremonies are glitzy events with a red carpet and media attention, actresses, models, businesswomen, philanthropists, astronauts, politicians, athletes and newswomen have all been chosen for the role.

Historical records tell us that water, wine and even sacrificial human blood have been used in the name of appeasing the gods and blessing the ship, thankfully these days however the role involves smashing a bottle of champagne against the ships hull for good luck

Beyond bottle smashing duties, the photo opportunities and attending the launch parties, Godmothers don’t really take much of a role with their ships –  those chosen seem to be more about publicity for both the celebs and the cruise line than anything else.

To date probably the most famous  has to be Kate Middleton Godmother to Royal Princess in June 2013 following in the footsteps of Princess Diana to the same named ship in 1984

In the 80’s and 90’s Princess Godmothers included Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Lauren and the Iron Lady Thatcher

P&O’s Azura is Darcey Bussell, Ventura is Helen Mirren and Britannia of course is Her Majesty the Queen – let’s face it this is going to be hard Godmother to follow!

Viking signed up Mar Berry and Joanna Lumley as their Classic Godmother figures

Royal Caribbean break tradition with their many ships having many Godmothers – Oasis of the Seas has 7 in total!

Who would you choose as the next cruise launch’s Godmother?


About Me

Hello, Hola, Bonjour, Guten Morgen, 你好 ! I grew up in the 70s, I was educated in the 80s and had great fun working in a Cafe Bar and nightclub in the 90s. After my Halcyon years my bank manager and I decided it was time to get a 'proper…

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