Royal Caribbean International celebrated its newest ship, Odyssey of the Seas, with the naming by godmother Erin Bown, the Bahamian paratriathlete, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Saturday (13 November).
The Caribbean-inspired occasion culminated in the moment when Brown, the first Bahamian paratriathlete to compete in the Paralympic Games qualifiers, bestowed a blessing of safekeeping on the ship and all those who sail on it.
“I am immensely grateful to have been selected as Godmother to Odyssey of the Seas,” said Brown. “As a proud Bahamian, it is an honour to also represent The Bahamas and share my story with so many others.
“My experiences have empowered me to reinvent myself and transform my life, and I am committed to helping ensure others can do the same.”
Watch the opening ceremony here
Odyssey, the first Quantum Ultra Class ship in North America, features a combination of new, thrilling experiences and signature adventures that many guests are already familiar with.
Highlights include a vibrant resort-style pool deck inspired by the Caribbean, the new Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Teppanyaki, the restaurant serving up Far East flavors and making its North America debut; and one-of-a-kind entertainment that pushes the bounds of imagination in the high-tech venue Two70 and the Royal Theater.
“Today, we get to show the world what imagination and determination look like when they come together,” said Royal Caribbean Group chairman Richard Fain.
“All of what our teams have done over the past 20 months has led us to this moment when we can finally show the innovation and beauty of Odyssey of the Seas.”
This winter and early 2022, Odyssey is welcoming families and travellers of all ages on 6-night and 8-night cruises to the eastern, western and southern Caribbean as well as the cruise line’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
In April 2022, the ship will head to its summer home in Rome to cruise the Mediterranean.