Since recently becoming a godmother to my new grandson, a recent article published by Cruise Critic, caught my eye and gives new meaning to godmothers everywhere. For those of you unfamiliar with this term as it relates to cruising Cruise Critic explains:
In ancient times, sacrificial human blood was used instead of Champagne to bless a ship, and the rites were performed by pagan priests. In more modern times, female royalty was selected to do the honors; in today’s age of 24-hour news, instant celebrity and paparazzi, actresses, models, businesswomen, philanthropists, astronauts, politicians, athletes and newswomen have been chosen for the role (along with Senator Inouye). More than ever, it is in the best interest of the cruise lines to try to draw as much press coverage as possible. Thus the necessity for the famous face.
Some previous godmothers include the Queen of England, Whoopi Goldberg, Martha Stewart and Tinkerbell. No, you don’t have to be a celebrity to be chosen and Royal Caribbean did pick a very worthy, real godmother. Congratulations to Louise Calder! Let’s hope the cruise lines continue to pick winners like this to be godmothers.
Interestingly, the favorite pick of Sarah Schlicter, Assistant Editor of Independent Traveler (Cruise Critic’s sister Web site), is Louise Calder, who was selected as godmother of Royal Caribbean‘s new Freedom of the Seas. While worthy in so many ways — she has provided foster care for over 400 children with special needs — Ms. Calder would never have been chosen were it not for the media opportunities her involvement elicited, including the contest on NBC’s “Today” that helped seal her selection. Ditto Donnalea Madaley, the aforementioned Canadian travel agent, Royal Caribbean’s contest winner and godmother of Liberty of the Seas.
So, does anyone out there have someone in mind that would make a perfect godmother?