Royal Caribbean is looking for the right person to be godmother to its newest cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas.
Harmony of the Seas will make her debut in the U.S. In November when she arrives in Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and to celebrate the cruise line has partnered with South Florida ABC affiliate Local 10 to find a woman who is inspiring the next generation to dream big and think differently.
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 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 also be awarded to her school or non-profit 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 two-night pre-inaugural cruise.
She will also receive a future seven-night cruise for two onboard the ship.
The contest is open to volunteers, full- and part-time employees at of a school or educational organization in Miami-Dade County, Broward County or Palm Beach County. Self-nominations are also accepted. Nominees must be legal residents of Florida and 21 years of age or older at time of nomination and nominators must be 13 years of age or older as of date of entry. Official Rules can be read by visiting www.local10.com/godmother. The Entry Period for nominations ends on September 23, 2016.
“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 historically reserved for heads of state, politicians and celebrities, godmothers not only break a bottle to christen a ship, but also serve as guiding spirits to its guests and crew. Royal Caribbean looks to capture the essence of the role by choosing women whose life lessons and achievements illustrate the kind of courage, dedication and determination that are an inspiration to all. For more information on the maritime tradition of ship godmothers, visit www.royalhometownhero.com.