With less than three weeks until her maiden voyage, Anthem of the Seas’ godmother has been announced by Royal Caribbean following a competition held for UK travel agents. Emma Wilby from Sunderland has been selected to act as godmother to the Anthem of the Seas following her entry into the competition.
The 27-year-old travel agent currently works for Thomson travel in Elgin, Scotland and has been described by Royal Caribbean as a ‘military wife and budding singer who performs in the Military Wives Choir in Kinloss, Scotland.”
Ms Wilby is due to christen the ship and sing at the ship’s naming ceremony. She enthused: “I still can’t believe I won. I am hugely excited to be taking on the role of Godmother for Anthem of the Seas – it will be incredible to sing in front of all these people and a real honor to give the ship the best send-off possible.”
Royal Caribbean are preparing to offer Ms Wilby the star treatment before her big performance, providing a makeover and hiring Craig Yates, team captain of British choir group Only Boys Aloud, as her personal vocal coach.
Royal Caribbean’s Chairman and CEO, Richard D. Fain, explained in a statement: “Emma is among many submissions from truly talented travel agents across the U.K. 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.”
The ships christening will take place in Southampton on Monday 20 April 2015 and Emma will perform in front of 1,300 invited guests and dignitaries. Held two days before the ship’s maiden voyage, the ceremony is one of the last steps of the Anthem of the Seas’ grand preparation.
Watch Emma’s audition below:
Images via Royal Caribbean Press Center
