Anthem’s Naming Ceremony Gets Underway in Southampton

With the final preparations for the launch of Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Anthem of the Seas, being completed – the ship is currently being named in homeport, Southampton. Godmother, Emma Wilby, is set to name the ship this afternoon after performing a special song in front of 1,300 special guests.

Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises, expressed his happiness that the 27-year-old travel agent from Sunderland will be performing these traditional duties:

“We are delighted to welcome Emma Wilby into the Royal Caribbean family as Anthem of the Seas’ Godmother. Emma is among many submissions from truly talented travel agents across the UK and the judging was very difficult.

“We thank all travel agents, who we value and are honouring by naming a fellow travel agent as the Godmother of our newest ship.”

Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, added: “Emma’s inaugural song will herald in a ship that will be a new anthem for the cruise industry. I am very much looking forward to Emma’s performance and launching Anthem of the Seas with her. I know she will be simply spectacular.”

With glorious sun and soaring temperatures in Southampton, it has proven to be a beautiful day for the Anthem of the Seas to be entered into service. The ship is lined up to set off on her maiden voyage on Wednesday (22 April) for a week-long voyage around France and Spain, visiting Vigo, Bilbao and Paris before returning to Southampton.

Then Anthem will become a common sight in Southampton over the next six months as it calls the south coast city home until repositioning to the other side of the Atlantic in New Jersey in October. Since being first announced in 2012, the Anthem is now incredibly close to her first voyage, ending a long wait for Royal Caribbean fans.

Images courtesy of Royal Caribbean Press Center.