The luxury cruise company Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that American pop icon Katy Perry will serve as the godmother to its newest ship, Norwegian Prima, which will be doused in champagne in the docks at Reykjavik, Iceland this August.
As godmother, Perry will fulfil the longstanding maritime tradition of blessing the new passenger liner in a naming ceremony before its inaugural voyage – it’s to be the first time a cruise ship of this scale has been christened in the Icelandic capital.
The nautical custom of ceremonially naming a virgin ship is believed to originate thousands of years ago – there’s evidence that the Babylonians christened their naval ships in such ceremonies. The Romans, Egyptians and Greeks used similar naming rituals to ask the gods to protect their sea-going vessels.
There’s no evidence that any member of the Idols judging panel participated in these ancient ceremonies, though. The Vikings did, however, spill blood as part of their ship christenings. Later, blood was replaced with wine, which explains why a bottle of champagne is now ceremoniously broken across the vessel’s bow.
Perry commented that she has a special affinity for water-going craft. ‘My most favourite way to vacation with my family is on the water. Every morning that you wake up, you get to experience an incredible new view.’
The singer-songwriter adds that she’s delighted to have the chance to bless the new ship with her “good vibrations”. ‘I’m so excited for this new, beautiful, high-end, high-tech ship to take the seas and provide once-in-a-lifetime vacations for so many families,’ she said.
The Norwegian Prima will feature multiple infinity pools, ocean-walk glass bridges and an outdoor sculpture garden featuring installations by artists David Harber and Alexander Krivosheiw. The ship sails a variety of routes, with itineraries across northern Europe, between New York and Bermuda, and the Caribbean out of Galveston, Texas and Miami. www.ncl.com.
Pictures: Supplied
ALSO READ
UK airlines drop mask mandate but SA passengers must still mask up
