Search for a British Godmother for Independence of the Seas

Royal Caribbean has launched a nationwide search for a British Godmother to reign over their newest and largest ship, Independence of the Seas, when she launches in Southampton in April.

The role of 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 is looking for an ordinary British woman who has done extra-ordinary things to become Godmother to the brand new Independence of the Seas. The person who is chosen to become Godmother would have demonstrated how she has gone above and beyond the call of duty to improve the well-being and future of young people under 18 years old in her community.

Sir Steve Redgrave, Five time Olympic gold medalist, will front the cruise line’s search for Independence of the Seas Godmother. The search has begun working with ITV, the UK’s biggest commercial television station. Sir Steve Redgrave has commented that he is honoured to have been given this role and is pleased at the increase in awareness this will create for all the fantastic work with young people that is done by hundreds of individuals around the country.

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, Independence of the Seas features 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.