Royal Caribbean International Hunts for First-Ever British Godmother for 'Independence of the Seas'

LONDON, March 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Caribbean International has launched a nationwide search for a British Godmother to reign over the cruise line's newest and largest ship, Independence of the Seas, when she launches in Southampton, next month (April 2008).

Sir Steve Redgrave, five-time Olympic Gold medallist and figure head of the Steve Redgrave Fund, will front the cruise line's search for Independence of the Seas' Godmother. Royal Caribbean International begins its nationwide call for Godmother nominations beginning Monday, March 24, 2008, working in conjunction with ITV, the UK's biggest commercial television station.

The role of a Godmother is typically reserved for dignitaries or celebrities. Past Royal Caribbean Godmothers have included Her Majesty Queen Sonja of Norway, Lauren Bacall, Whoopi Goldberg, Gloria Estefan, Steffi Graff and champion wheelchair marathoner Jean Driscoll. Unusually, Royal Caribbean International is calling for an ordinary British woman who has done extraordinary things to become Godmother to the new Independence of the Seas this April. This special Godmother will demonstrate how she has gone above and beyond the call of duty and dedicated incredible time and effort to improve the well-being and future of young people under 18 years old in her community.

"Independence of the Seas is part of a family of the largest and most innovative ships in the industry, enjoyed by families and young people on holiday around the world. As our commitment to the UK and Europe grows in line with demand for our cruises, and to mark the arrival of Independence of the Seas into Southampton, we wanted to create an extra-ordinary inaugural celebration to showcase our commitment to the UK market. Our search for a British Godmother who demonstrates an extraordinary passion for young people is just that," said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.

All potential Godmothers must be nominated via a dedicated website http://www.searchforagodmother.co.uk. To enter, applicants must explain in 250 words or less why they, or someone they know, would be the ideal Godmother for Independence of the Seas. A special panel of judges including Royal Caribbean International executives, guest judges and Sir Steve Redgrave, will select the ships' Godmother.

"It is an honour to be working with Royal Caribbean International in their search for a deserving woman to become Godmother for Independence of the Seas. This a very special ship and therefore this is an amazing accolade for anyone to receive, but the opportunity to increase awareness of the fantastic work with young people that is done by hundreds of individuals around the country is a very worthy campaign, which I am delighted to support," commented Sir Steve Redgrave

In addition to being godmother to Independence of the Seas, where she will have a formal portrait of herself displayed onboard the new ship, the woman selected will receive an honorary role in the official ship naming ceremonies, including participation in the ribbon-cutting and a VIP experience onboard Independence of the Seas' inaugural voyage. She also will receive a decade of cruising for two with Royal Caribbean International.

Independence of the Seas will launch in Southampton April 2008 weighing in at 160,000 GRT, with a capacity of 3,634 guests. The third in Royal Caribbean International's Freedom-class of ships, and part of the family of the largest cruise ships in the world, Independence of the Seas feature some of the distinctive features the global cruise line is known for including: a FlowRider surf simulator; an ice-skating rink; an interactive H20 Zone water park for families; cantilevered whirlpools suspended 112 ft. above the ocean; a rock-climbing wall; and the Royal Promenade - an entertainment boulevard stretching across the length of the ship.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 20 ships currently in service and three under construction. The line also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, South America and New Zealand through its Cruisetour division. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit http://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk or call +44(0)845-165-8330. For travel professionals, go to http://www.cruisingpower.com or call +44(0)845-165-8330.