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It was shaping up to be one of the most glamorous cruise ship christenings of the year.
Back in June, Royal Caribbean revealed that the legendary Diana Ross would serve as godmother for its brand-new Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas.
Cruise fans were thrilled at the idea of a Motown legend blessing the vessel.
But now, just a week before the big day, Royal Caribbean has confirmed that Ross has unexpectedly stepped away from the role.
A Change in Plans
“We are disappointed that Diana Ross is unable to join us to be godmother of Star of the Seas,” the cruise line said in a statement.
The 81-year-old superstar was scheduled to preside over the naming ceremony on Wednesday, August 20, in the ship’s spectacular AquaDome neighborhood.
She had previously said the honor felt like “a perfect continuation” of her career, bringing people together, making the news even more surprising.
No official reason was given for her cancellation, though Ross recently wrapped up a UK arena tour and will begin her Beautiful Love US tour on August 16 in Saratoga, California.
Her next concert isn’t until August 28 in St. Louis, but scheduling conflicts, personal obligations, or health considerations may have played a part.
Who Will Step In?
With the christening only days away, Royal Caribbean hasn’t named a replacement yet — but they’ve promised an announcement soon.
The godmother role is traditionally filled by a celebrity, philanthropist, or someone with a meaningful connection to the brand.
It’s not strictly a female role either — just ask Lionel Messi, who christened sister ship Icon of the Seas earlier this year.
Given that Star of the Seas is home to Sailor, the fleet’s second Chief Dog Officer, it wouldn’t be far-fetched for an animal welfare advocate to be considered.
Of course, the cruise world loves surprises, so the choice could be completely unexpected.
Fun Predictions: Who Could Be the Next Godmother?
| Potential Candidate | Why They’d Be a Good Fit | Celebrity Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Oprah Winfrey | Global icon, known for her travel specials and love of luxury experiences. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Taylor Swift | A posthumous tribute to her love of animals could tie into Sailor, the ship’s Chief Dog Officer. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| David Attenborough | Not a “godmother” in the traditional sense, but a beloved voice for nature and exploration. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Betty White (Legacy Honor) | A posthumous tribute to her love of animals could tie into Sailor the ship’s Chief Dog Officer. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Serena Williams | Tennis legend, philanthropist, and advocate for women’s empowerment. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Jane Goodall | World-famous animal advocate — a perfect nod to Star of the Seas’ canine crew member. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
💡 Of course, Royal Caribbean could also go with a surprise local hero, humanitarian, or long-time cruise employee — something that would melt hearts rather than just grab headlines.
Rough Waters Before the Big Day
This godmother shake-up isn’t the only challenge facing Star of the Seas. The ship is also dealing with the closure of its Frightening Bolt waterslide, one of its headline attractions.
The decision comes after a serious incident on sister ship Icon of the Seas earlier this month.
On August 7, 2025, an acrylic glass panel on Icon’s slide shattered during use, sending water cascading onto the decks below.
A male passenger sustained cuts to his legs and hands and is now pursuing legal action.
While the other five slides in Icon’s Category 6 Waterpark remain open, Royal Caribbean has closed Star of the Seas’ identical slide indefinitely as a precaution while investigations and potential repairs are underway.
Media Previews Still Making Waves
Despite these hiccups, Star of the Seas is currently hosting media and travel industry previews ahead of its christening.
Royal Caribbean will be keen to steer attention back to the excitement surrounding its second Icon-class vessel — a ship that promises breathtaking design, innovative attractions, and unforgettable itineraries.
With a replacement godmother announcement just around the corner, all eyes are now on who will have the honor of sending Star of the Seas on her maiden journey.
Godmother Traditions in Cruising — A Quick Look
The tradition of having a ship’s godmother dates back hundreds of years, long before the modern cruise industry existed.
In maritime history, a godmother’s role was to bless the vessel before its first voyage, often by breaking a bottle of wine or champagne across the bow to ensure smooth sailing and good fortune.
Today, the role is largely ceremonial — but it still carries prestige and symbolism.
Cruise ship godmothers are often:
- Celebrities or public figures who bring media attention to the ship’s debut.
- Philanthropists or humanitarian leaders who represent the cruise line’s values.
- Local or cultural icons tied to the ship’s homeport or theme.
- Company legends, such as long-serving employees or crew members.
Some godmothers also take on ongoing ambassador roles, returning for special events or lending their names to charitable partnerships connected with the ship.
💡 Fun Fact: While champagne is the traditional choice, some ships have been christened with other symbolic bottles — from whiskey to locally-made wine — reflecting the culture of their homeport.
