Royal Caribbean International celebrated its newest ship, Odyssey of the Seas, during the ship’s naming ceremony at Port Everglades (Greater Fort Lauderdale), FL on Saturday. The Caribbean-inspired event culminated in the moment when Erin Brown, the ship's godmother and Bahamian paratriathlete, bestowed a blessing of safekeeping for the ship and those who sail on her.
Joining Brown were Richard Fain, chairman of the board, Royal Caribbean Group, and Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Today, we get to show the world what imagination and determination look like when they come together,” said Fain. “All of what our teams have done over the past 20 months has led us to this moment when we can finally show the innovation and beauty of Odyssey of the Seas.”
Inspiring Godmother
An inspiration for those in the Bahamas and across the globe, Brown is a mother and cancer survivor. The life-long athlete was diagnosed with stage 4 osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in 2004. It was more than a year later, after receiving treatment, when Brown made the decision to have her leg amputated above the knee.
Having watched her own mother battle lupus linked to cancer for five years, Brown was determined to come back stronger than ever for herself, her family and others who could be inspired to fight. Brown went on to become the first Bahamian paratriathlete to train at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO, and compete in a Paralympic Games qualifier event.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Brown is a longtime advocate for those living with disabilities and works at the University of the Bahamas as the compliance officer and counselor. “As a proud Bahamian, it is an honor to also represent The Bahamas and share my story with so many others," said Brown. "My experiences have empowered me to reinvent myself and transform my life, and I’m committed to helping ensure others can do the same.”
Bayley commented: “It’s our honor to welcome Erin as our first Bahamian Godmother. She is an incredible individual who pushes to change the status quo." He also stressed that "the Bahamas has been our great partner and neighbor since Royal Caribbean first set sail to the islands more than 50 years ago.”
Odyssey of the Seas, the first Quantum Ultra Class ship in North America, has both new, thrilling experiences and signature adventures that guests know. Highlights include a vibrant resort-style pool deck inspired by the Caribbean; the new Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar; Teppanyaki, the restaurant serving up Far East flavors and making its North America debut; and one-of-a-kind entertainment in the high-tech venue Two70 and the Royal Theater.
This winter and early 2022, Odyssey of the Seas will welcome guests of all ages on six-night and eight-night cruises to the eastern, western and southern Caribbean as well as the cruise line’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay. In April 2022, the new ship will head to its summer home in Civitavecchia (Rome) to sail within the Mediterranean.
Visit www.royalcaribbean.com.
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