Ernie

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Royal Caribbean International Appoints Seven Godmothers for Oasis of the Seas

An Unprecedented Assembly of Performers, Olympians, Philanthropists and Actors to Preside Over Seven Neighborhoods on the World's Largest and Most Revolutionary Cruise Ship

MIAMI, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- When Royal Caribbean International officially names its newest cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, on Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, the global cruise line will continue its tradition of innovation by putting a new twist on one of maritime's longest standing traditions. While normally bestowing the honor of godmother on one special person, Royal Caribbean has chosen seven extraordinary godmothers to represent the seven signature neighborhoods onboard Oasis of the Seas. Each of the seven godmothers was chosen because they personify strength of character, exemplify the spirit of giving, and are role models for men, women and children alike. The godmothers include:

-- Gloria Estefan, world-renowned singer, songwriter, actor and author, who
was godmother of Royal Caribbean's Empress of the Seas
-- Michelle Kwan, the Olympic Games medalist is an all-time great and the
most decorated figure skater in United States history, and is also an
American Public Diplomacy envoy promoting education, positive health
practices and respect for diversity
-- Jane Seymore, a multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winning actor, as well as
an Officer of the British Empire, who remains actively involved in the J
and J Foundation benefiting children in need. Based on her philosophy
that keeping an open heart despite adversity can bring a wealth of love,
hope and inspiration into life, she founded the website
www.KeepAnOpenHeart.com, a community where people can share stories and
engage in a dialogue about living with an open heart.
-- Dara Torres, twelve-time Olympic medalist and oldest female swimmer to
compete in a record five Olympic games (1984, 1988, 1992, 2000 and 2008)
-- Keshia Knight Pulliam, film and television actress is well-known for her
role as Rudy Huxtable on the classic sitcom "The Cosby Show." The
youngest actress ever nominated for an Emmy Award when she was only 6
years old, she presently stars on the TBS television comedy "Tyler
Perry's House of Payne" and was most recently seen starring in the hit
motion picture "Madea Goes To Jail."
-- Shawn Johnson, four-time medalist at the 2008 Olympic games for women's
gymnastics and cancer philanthropist, who in addition to serving as a
godmother for Oasis of the Seas, will be granting wishes onboard as part
of her work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

-- Daisy Fuentes, international television personality and producer, beauty
and fitness expert, and recognized role model for Latin-American women
in the United States, who is committed to improving children's health
and treatments through St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Starlight
Children's Foundation and the March of Dimes
"It is a humbling and equally exciting privilege to have these seven exemplary women take on the responsibility of being godmothers of Oasis of the Seas," said Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. "We felt it only fitting that our most revolutionary ship be named by an outstanding group of women who embody the same excellence in their respective fields."

The seven women will take their posts to officially name the ship at a ceremony during a one-night inaugural celebration-fundraiser onboard Oasis of the Seas to benefit the non-profit Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Tickets for the once-in-a-lifetime event begin at $500 per person. Guests who wish to continue their adventure onboard will receive an exclusive discount price, beginning at $650 per person, on a four-night cruise package sailing to the cruise line's private beach destination, Labadee, departing the morning following the event on Tuesday, Dec. 1 (rates based on double-occupancy and stateroom package). For reservations to this exclusive event combined with the four-night sailing, contact Cynthia Paez, Royal Caribbean International, at (877) 202-1520, ext. 12751, or cpaez@rccl.com.

Bookings are also available for Oasis of the Seas' inaugural sailing departing on Saturday, Dec. 5. The inaugural sailing will include exclusive entertainment and gifts for guests to commemorate the special occasion.

As the ultimate expression of Royal Caribbean's legacy of imagination and innovation, Oasis of the Seas introduces unique industry "firsts" including a neighborhood concept - seven main themed areas providing guests with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences based on their personal style, preference or mood. Within these seven neighborhoods - Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, Pool & Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone - are extraordinary elements such as the first living park at sea; a thrilling zip line that races diagonally nine-decks above an open-air atrium; an original handcrafted carousel; 28 multilevel urban-style loft suites boasting floor-to-ceiling windows; an amphitheater-style theater that serves as a pool by day and a dazzling ocean front theater by night; and an array of epicurean innovations that allow for new culinary experiences each day of a guest's cruise vacation.

Oasis of the Seas is the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she spans 16 decks, encompasses 225,282 gross registered tons, carries 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and features 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas is the first ship to tout the cruise line's new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additional information is available at www.oasisoftheseas.com.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 ships currently in service and one under construction. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. Travel professionals should go www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056.

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Originally posted by jetwet1:
Sorry but that really does not work for me, a ship should have one god mother, this just stinks of trying to get some media hype, very sad move on RCL's part.

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So what purpose do Godmothers serve apart for to generate publicity?

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Originally posted by GregD:
I think the whole godmother thing has lost its lore. I wouldn't be surprised if we have a godfather of a ship soon!
My thinking with the godmother choices is, why not go all Olympian! I mean they have 3 of them. Why not just add 4 more. With the hype that surrounds these games and the success in Beijing and upcoming Vancouver, why not use them?

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Greg the Belgian ferry Prins Philip was christened by Belgian Crown Prince Philip back in 1991.

MS PRINS PHILIP (now M/S NORMAN SPIRIT)

On topic
I found 2 godmothers to much fore Zaandam, let alone 7 godmothers fore Oasis. To much and over the top. 1 god mother would be elegant, prefer Jane Seymour because she is partly Dutch and a very good actress.

Greetings Ben.

[ 11-20-2009: Message edited by: Maasdam ]

Best,

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Originally posted by Matts:
and a godchild (to christen the waterslide)...

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Originally posted by GregD:
I think the whole godmother thing has lost its lore. I wouldn't be surprised if we have a godfather of a ship soon!

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It's already been done...don't forget that the actor, James (Jimmy) Stewart, christened Royal Viking Sun in 1989.

[ 11-21-2009: Message edited by: Jekyll ]

As far as having 7 Godmothers for OOTS, I say let Royal Caribbean have their moment; the more attention events like this get the more people will cruise and then more ships will be built.

Which will give us all something to talk about well into our golden years.

It should be interesting to watch. They should have a live feed broadcasting the naming ceremony.

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Originally posted by Cam J:
I think this is a really dumb idea. Isn't the whole point to christen the ship, not the places inside of the ship??

Cam J

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Originally posted by dmwnc1:
Are we to assume there will be 7 bottles of champagne broken in the 7 neighborhoods at the same time by the 7 Godmothers? No mention of it. What if one of the seven doesnt break, or 3 of the seven dont break? Will there be do-overs?

It should be interesting to watch. They should have a live feed broadcasting the naming ceremony.

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Shawn is only 17 so even international waters won't let her near champagne, lol.

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Originally posted by Sutho:
In my opinion using celebrities to christen a ship is much like the deluded idea of removing the number "13" from all the ships lifeboats, deck plands and cabins to cater to the mentaly inept who have unjustified fears of numbers.

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Talking about the number 13 lifeboat. Guess which ship?