Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship, Celebrity Beyond, set sail from Fort Lauderdale, kicking off its inaugural Caribbean season.
Headlining the sailing’s festivities was the ship’s official naming ceremony, led by her Godmother Simone Biles, a 19-time world champion and seven-time Olympic medalist.
Led by Captain Kate McCue, the first and still only woman to be named captain of a “Mega” cruise ship, Celebrity Beyond’s arrival to the US ushers in a new era of cruising for the industry; coming on the heels of Celebrity’s new brand campaign.
As it kicks off its inaugural season with rotating Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries visiting the beaches of Grand Cayman and vistas of Puerta Plata, guests will be treated to luxury hotel-style accommodations, Micheli level dining, and world-class wellness amenities.
“I can think of no one better to be the Godmother of this incredible ship than the G.O.A.T. herself – Simone Biles,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of the Royal Caribbean Group, the parent company of Celebrity Cruises.
“This ship’s beauty, power, and resilience sets the standard by which all others will be measured. Simone’s determination, progressive nature, empowered attitude, and grace in the face of challenges make her such an inspiration to so many around the world. All of these attributes are why Simone Biles is perfectly suited to watch over Celebrity Beyond’s journey.
Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Celebrity Cruises president and CEO, added: “I’ve been waiting for this day to arrive for a long time and I am ‘Beyond’ excited to be able to share her with our guests. She is the gold standard by which other ships are built and embodies the meaning of relaxed luxury.
“She is ‘FULL’ of wonder and excitement and our guests will undoubtedly feel reconnected to the world around them as they visit new destinations and immerse themselves in culinary experiences and wellness amenities not found anywhere else at sea.”
Alongside Liberty, Lutoff-Perlo and other Celebrity Cruises executives, Simone Biles officially named Celebrity Beyond in a ceremony attended by 2500 guests and media, capped by a live performance from singer and songwriter, Leona Lewis.
Biles follows Reshma Saujani of Girls Who Code and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai, who previously inaugurated Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Edge, respectively.
“It is an honor to be selected as Beyond’s Godmother and to join such a distinguished group of strong, barrier-breaking women who have been named as Celebrity’s Godmothers before me,” Biles said.
“I appreciate the important message this designation holds in recognizing our accomplishments as empowering women, and I am honored to share the stage today with fellow brave, boundary-breaking leaders like Lisa-Lutoff Perlo and Captain Kate McCue.”
Featured Image: Celebrity Beyond (Supplied)
