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Royal Caribbean has found its new godmother — and this time, it’s not a celebrity singer or sports star, but someone who has literally touched the stars.
Astronaut Kellie Gerardi will serve as godmother for the cruise line’s newest Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas, replacing Diana Ross, who withdrew from the role earlier this week.
From Space to the Sea
Gerardi, a Florida native from Jupiter, Florida (yes, that’s really the name of her hometown), made history as one of the first 100 women in space.
Her 2023 flight aboard Virgin Galactic wasn’t just symbolic — she conducted microgravity experiments, including fluid dynamics research, proving her expertise extends far beyond photo ops.
Royal Caribbean captured the moment perfectly in their announcement:
“She’s visited the stars, and now she’s the Godmother of one.”
A Modern Godmother for a Modern Ship
At 36 years old, Gerardi isn’t just an astronaut. She’s also:
- A social media personality with millions of followers
- A mother, often sharing relatable family content alongside space-themed fun
- An author, with her children’s Luna Muna series (read aboard the International Space Station and at the White House) and her bestselling book Not Necessarily Rocket Science
She was also recognized as USA Today’s 2025 Woman of the Year, cementing her reputation as a trailblazer and role model.
Quick Facts: Kellie Gerardi
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hometown | Jupiter, Florida — a fitting origin for a space explorer |
| Historic Achievement | Among the first 100 women to journey into space |
| 2023 Spaceflight | Flew as payload specialist on Virgin Galactic’s Galactic 05 mission (Nov 2, 2023), conducting biomedical and fluid dynamics experiments |
| Social Media | Popular STEM communicator with 1M+ followers across platforms |
| Author Credentials | Wrote the Luna Muna children’s series + Not Necessarily Rocket Science (Amazon #1 bestseller) |
| Recognition | Named one of USA Today’s 2025 Women of the Year |
| Next Mission | Will lead an all-female research flight with Virgin Galactic in 2026 |
The Naming Ceremony at Port Canaveral
Gerardi will officially name the ship during a special evening event on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Port Canaveral.
The celebration will be held in the ship’s dramatic AquaTheater, set under the massive glass dome of the AquaDome neighborhood.
Expect all the traditions — live performances, blessings, and the ceremonial champagne bottle — with a star-studded twist befitting one of the world’s largest cruise ships.
Star of the Seas: A Busy Start
The ship has already arrived in Port Canaveral (August 9) to fanfare from fire boats and excited cruise fans.
She’s been hosting media previews, travel agents, and influencers, with her first showcase sailing — a 4-night trip to CocoCay — departing on August 16.
After a short series of these showcase voyages, Star of the Seas will settle into her year-round schedule of 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises.
Why Gerardi Is the Perfect Fit
Choosing Gerardi as godmother feels like a bold but fitting move.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class ships are all about pushing boundaries — blending cutting-edge design, massive scale, and bold experiences.
Who better to represent that spirit than a woman who’s literally gone beyond Earth’s boundaries?
She’s not just a star in the sky — she’s a down-to-earth personality who resonates with families, tech enthusiasts, and adventurers alike.
For Royal Caribbean, she’s the perfect balance of visionary explorer and relatable mom.
✨ With Diana Ross stepping aside, Royal Caribbean may have landed an even more futuristic choice — a true “star voyager” to usher in the next era of cruising.
