The cruise company’s first Bahamian godmother is honored at the naming ceremony in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Miami, November 14, 2021 – It’s official: Royal Caribbean International celebrated its newest groundbreaking ship, Odyssey of the Seas, during the ship’s christening in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Saturday, November 13th. The Caribbean-inspired event culminated when Odyssey’s godmother and the first Bahamian paratriathlete competed in the Paralympic Games. Erin Brown, bestowed a blessing on the ship and all those who have sailed on it for decades.
Brown was accompanied on board by Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, and Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. The occasion was also a historic moment for the decade-long godmother tradition, as Brown becomes the cruise company’s first Bahamian godmother.
“Today we can show the world what imagination and determination look like when they come together,” said Fain. “Everything our teams have achieved over the past 20 months has brought us to that moment when we can finally show the innovation and beauty of Odyssey of the Seas.”
As a 17-year-old change agent for people with disabilities in the Bahamas, Brown is a mother and cancer survivor. The lifelong athlete was diagnosed with stage 4 osteosarcoma – bone cancer – in 2004. More than a year later, after treatment, Brown decided to amputate her leg above the knee. After watching her own mother battle cancer-related lupus for five years, Odyssey’s godmother was determined to return stronger than ever for herself, her family, and others who might be inspired to fight. Brown became the first Bahamian paratriathlete to train at the US Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and to qualify for the Paralympic Games. In addition to her athletic achievements, Brown is a longtime advocate for people with disabilities, working at the University of The Bahamas as a compliance officer and advisor on improving access and opportunities for students with disabilities.
“We are honored to have Erin as our first Bahamian godmother,” said Bayley. “She’s an incredible personality looking to change the status quo, which makes her the perfect choice for a ship as innovative as the Odysseyof the Seas. It also fits because the Bahamas have been our great partner and neighbor since Royal Caribbean’s first Mal in the sea set off islands more than 50 years ago. ”
Royal Caribbean Cruises have been visiting the Bahamas and the Caribbean for 52 years. Year after year, guests of all ages can set sail to explore the region’s stunning destinations. Royal Caribbean’s first Western Hemisphere cruise set sail in June after a break of more than 15 months in the Bahamas.
Odyssey himself could be seen during the official christening ceremony. The first Quantum Ultra Class ship in North America offers a combination of new, exciting experiences and unique adventures that guests know and love. The highlights include a lively one Resort style pool deck inspired by the Caribbean, the new one Giovanni’s Italian cuisine & wine bar, Teppanyaki, the restaurant that serves Far Eastern flavors and is making its North American debut; and unique entertainment that pushes the boundaries of the imagination in the high-tech location Two70 and the Royal theater.
“I am immensely grateful to have been chosen to be the godmother of Odyssey of the Seas,” said Brown. “As a proud Bahamian, it is an honor to represent the Bahamas and share my story with so many others. My experiences have enabled me to reinvent myself and change my life, and I am committed to ensuring that others can do the same. ”
This winter and early 2022, Odyssey welcomes families and travelers of all ages on 6- and 8-night cruises to the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean and the cruise line’s private island destination. Perfect day at CocoCay. In April 2022, the new, innovative ship will set off for its summer home in Rome to sail along the sun-kissed coasts of the Mediterranean.
Travel routes can be booked here. For more information on Odyssey, see www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/odyssey.
About Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International has been delivering innovations at sea for more than 50 years. Each subsequent class of ship is an architectural marvel with the latest technology and guest experiences for today’s adventurous traveler. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to more than 270 destinations in 72 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, Perfect day at CocoCay, the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. In addition, Royal Caribbean was voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” at the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards for 18 years in a row.
Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter and visit RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or reservations, vacationers can call their travel advisor; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.
###
Related videos
It’s official: Royal Caribbean and the first Bahamian paratriathlete name new ship Odyssey of the Seas
November 2021 – A celebration of the adventure was held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida when Royal Caribbean International officially named its newest groundbreaking ship – Odyssey of the Seas. Watch as Erin Brown, the ship’s godmother and the first Bahamian paratriathlete to compete in the Paralympic Games qualifiers, is accompanied by cruise line crewmembers, executives and guests as she blesses Odyssey and everyone who sails on it for safe custody gives decades to come. Like its groundbreaking godmother, Odyssey goes to the limit to offer a combination of new, exciting experiences and unique features for families and travelers of all ages. The highlights include a Caribbean-inspired pool deck with The Lime & Coconut Bar, which was the focus of this special occasion, to SeaPlex – the largest indoor and outdoor activity complex at sea with bumper cars and the first Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade des Venue.
Similar pictures
November 2021 – Erin Brown becomes the first Bahamian godmother to a Royal Caribbean International ship when she blesses the innovative new Odyssey of the Seas.
Bird’s-eye view of Odyssey of the Seas, the first of its kind to cruise from South Florida in the US in July 2021. The new ship offers 12 brand new and first brand experiences that include adventure, from a unique VR, a bungee trampoline experience to a laser tag glowing in the dark, restaurants with flavors from around the world, special programs for children and teenagers and more.
Odyssey of the Seas features a whole new look and 12 brand new adventures. Guests of all ages can choose from a range of experiences including a Caribbean-inspired pool deck, the North Star glass observation capsule, SeaPlex – the largest indoor and outdoor activity complex at sea – and world-class restaurants including the new Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar.
