Royal Caribbean Seeks Hometown Hero for Harmony Godmother

Royal Caribbean Seeks Hometown Hero for Godmother of Harmony of the Seas

Cruise News – September 9, 2016

Royal Caribbean International has launched a contest to honor a hometown hero in education by naming her godmother of its newest ship, Harmony of the Seas. The South Florida–based cruise line is partnering with South Florida ABC affiliate Local 10 to look for a local woman who is inspiring the next generation to “dream big, think differently, and challenge the status quo.”

South Florida residents are encouraged to visit www.local10.com/godmother and nominate a mentor, educator, or teacher whose passion for education and a better tomorrow inspires students to make a positive impact on the world. The contest is open to volunteers, full- and part-time employees at a school or educational organization in Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach counties. Self-nominations are also being accepted.

The winner will not only be honored as godmother of Harmony of the Seas during the ship’s official naming ceremony on November 10, 2016, but a $25,000 grant will be awarded to her school or nonprofit organization to fund education initiatives that will further her mission to inspire South Florida’s youth. In addition, the godmother will have the opportunity to host a “field trip” for those whose lives she has influenced to be her guests at the Harmony of the Seas naming ceremony, and will set sail later that evening with three guests on a 2-night pre-inaugural cruise. She will also receive a future 7-night cruise for two on board the ship.

“Royal Caribbean’s legacy is built on a dream that began in a small trailer on Biscayne Boulevard,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “That’s why when we thought about the godmother for Harmony of the Seas, a ship that is not just the world’s largest, but the ultimate expression of our history and future, we knew that we wanted to pay tribute to our roots and community with this designation. Who better to welcome Harmony home than an outstanding woman who is inspiring the dreamers and innovators of South Florida’s next generation.”

A maritime tradition and honor, godmothers not only break a bottle to christen a ship, but also serve as guiding spirits to its guests and crew. For more information about this tradition, visit www.royalhometownhero.com.

Harmony of the Seas was delivered in May and is currently sailing her maiden season in the Mediterranean before repositioning to Fort Lauderdale in November to sail 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises.

^{Photo: Royal Caribbean International}