The godmother for the newly converted ship from Carnival Cruise Line was named as the author, philanthropist Dr. Lucille O’Neal, revealed. She is the mother of the cruise line’s chief fun officer Shaquille O’Neal.
Carnival broadcast godmother
The Miami-based cruise line will soon be celebrating its newly remodeled Carnival Radiance cruise ship Long Beach Cruise Terminal in California. Carnival has Dr. Lucille O’Neal has been named godmother of the ship and she will officially name the newly converted cruise ship on December 13, 2021.
Lucille is a writer and philanthropist and the mother of Carnival Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal. During the christening on board the Carnival ship, they will also officially open the christening ceremony Big chicken restaurant, a new dining room, first unveiled at Mardi Gras, offering dishes based on the recipes of Shaquille’s family.
Dr. Lucille O’Neal, Carnival Radiance Godmother (Courtesy Photo: Carnival Cruise Line)
“When Shaquille was named Chief Fun Officer a few years ago, I would never have dreamed of being the godmother of a cruise ship!” said Lucille. “To think that my name will forever be associated with Carnival Radiance and that I will join other distinguished women who have served as Carnival godparents is truly an honor.”
Also read: Carnival Radiance completes transformation and sails seven week trip to California
Lucille spends a lot of time helping others. She is involved in many charities, including serving on the board of the Orlando Ovarian Center Alliance and president and co-founder of the Mothers of Professional Basketball Players.
She also founded the Odessa Chambliss Center for Health Equity, the author of the inspiring biography “Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go” and was awarded an honorary doctorate from Bethune Cookman University (BCU).
Photo credit: Carnival Cruise Line
“Lucille’s longstanding commitment to others is a reflection of what we want a godmother to be, and as the mother of our great Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal, we also know that she has fun in her DNA, so she is the perfect choice for them Godmother of this beautiful ship “, said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
Carnival Radiance is preparing for the first guests
Carnival Radiance was previously called Carnival Victory before a massive $ 200 million dry dock renovation was carried out in 2021. The ship is now the third Sunshine class and is pretty much like a brand new cruise ship.
There are tons of new features and improvements on board, including Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse by Guy Fieri, the aforementioned Big Chicken Restaurant, Heroes Tribute Bar, Cucina del Capitano, Bonsai Sushi, and more. The interior has a fresh new look and those who experience the ship under the old name will think that they are on a different ship!
The ship was busy reaching its new home port in Long Beach. Just recently, Carnival Radiance arrived in Miami for the first time and made a transit through the Panama Canal after that call. Carnival Radiance has already arrived home to prepare for hosting.
The ship will make three-day cruises to Ensenada and four-day cruises including Ensenada and Catalina Island. She will be the 17th ship in the fleet to resume operations since the suspensions began in March 2020. The Carnival Radiance was on hold in Cadiz, Spain, and has been partially converted into one of the longest dry docks of all time.
Carnival Radiance is 101,509 gross tons with a guest capacity of 2,984 double occupancy and 1,108 international crew members.
