Shaq’s Mother Will Function Godmother of Carnival Cruise Ship

Shaquille O’Neal is Carnival Cruise Line’s Chief Fun Officer and his mother, Dr. Lucille O’Neal, has been named godmother to the cruise line’s recently remodeled Carnival Radiance.

Carnival Victory underwent a $ 200 million renovation that transformed the cruise ship into Carnival Radiance. The cruise ship will be officially renamed in a ceremony in Long Beach, California on December 13th.

During the festivities, Lucille and Shaquille will cut the ribbon to officially open Big Chicken, the second lakeside restaurant Shaquille founded to serve dishes made from his family’s recipes.

Lucille is an accomplished public speaker who donates her time and talent to a variety of charities, including serving on the board of the Orlando Ovarian Center Alliance and president and co-founder of the Mothers of Professional Basketball Players.

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Lucille O’Neal, author of the inspirational biography “Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go,” is a shining example of the importance of education on a University of Phoenix graduate program. For these efforts, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from the BCU.

“When Shaquille was named Chief Fun Officer a few years ago, I never would have thought in my wildest dreams that I would sponsor 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.”

“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 to this beautiful ship, ”said Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line.

New features added to the cruise ship during the $ 200 million renovation include Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, created by Food Network star and longtime partner Guy Fieri; the Heroes Tribute Bar, which welcomes those serving in the armed forces; Cucina del Capitano Italian family restaurant; Bonsai sushi; and the Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Pub.

All of the cruise ship’s public areas have been redesigned – including the water park, youth facilities, retail outlets, Cloud 9 Spa, and a new Liquid Lounge that hosts Carnival’s award-winning Playlist Productions shows.

Carnival Radiance will set up three- and four-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera from Long Beach, California.