Fan Bingbing to become cruise industry’s first chinese star to name new ship
Royal Caribbean International today announced that internationally-acclaimed Chinese actress, Fan Bingbing, will be the Godmother for Ovation of the Seas, Asia Pacific’s first new-build cruise ship and the world’s newest and most technologically advanced cruise ship. The announcement was made by Dr. Zinan Liu, President, Royal Caribbean International – China and North Asia Pacific, at a press conference at the Great Hall of People in Beijing. Bingbing is the first Chinese celebrity selected to be the Godmother of an international cruise line and will officially name Ovation of the Seas at the ship’s inaugural ceremony in Tianjin, China on 24 June 2016.
Ovation of the Seas will be the biggest, newest and most technologically advanced cruise ship to sail in Australia when she arrives in December 2016.
“We are delighted to welcome Fan Bingbing to the Royal Caribbean family as Ovation of the Seas’ godmother,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Bingbing is number one on the Forbes China ‘Celebrity 100’ list and has held that top position for three years making her one of the most influential Chinese stars and in the world. She has received awards from many international film festivals and is recognized as a fashion icon for her extraordinary style on the red carpet, at movie premieres and iconic fashion events. She is innovative, smart, ambitious, trendy and elegant, and that makes Bingbing the perfect person to be selected as the Godmother of our newest ship.”
“My father was a singer in the art troupe of the Political Department of the Navy in China. My childhood was filled with the melodies of the sea and I often dreamed about sailing out to sea for an adventure,” said Fan Bingbing at the press conference. “Now, thanks to this invitation from Royal Caribbean, my dreams will come true. I am really honoured to be the first Godmother of Chinese nationality for such a prestigious international cruise line as Royal Caribbean International. And I like the name of Ovation of the Seas which in Chinese is interpreted as ‘praising the world and welcoming guests from everywhere.”
The role of Godmother is a lifetime title bestowed upon an individual, who figuratively presides over the ship and imparts good luck and divine protection over the vessel and all that sail aboard. Traditionally, Godmothers have celebrity status or even royal connections. Godmothers for Royal Caribbean ships have included, performer Gloria Estefan, actress Jane Seymour, comedian/actress Whoopi Goldberg and tennis champion Steffi Graf, to name a few.
Ovation of the Seas is the third ship in the Quantum class ships, which are built with the most advanced technologies. The US$1 billion ship will introduce unprecedented first-at-sea features and amenities to Australia when she arrives in December 2016, including the North Star, an observation capsule that gently rises more than 90 metres in the air to treat guests to breath-taking panoramic views; thrilling skydiving and surfing experiences; Two70, a daily social space which transforms into a multifunctional entertainment place at night; SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea, that features bumper cars, a circus school, basketball, roller skating and other entertainment. There are 18 restaurants onboard with a variety of cuisines to choose from including Jamie’s Italian and five different complimentary restaurants to replace the traditional main dining room. The unique loft suites offer the most luxurious accommodations at sea, and Virtual Balcony staterooms are interior accommodations with large digital screens displaying real-time views which ensure that every room has a view.
Ovation of the Seas was officially delivered to Royal Caribbean on 8 April 2016. She will set sail from Southampton, UK this week on her 52-day Global Odyssey visiting exotic ports of call from the Mediterranean to the Middle East and Asia before her maiden Australian season from December 2016.
Royal Caribbean International recently announced the extension of Ovation of the Seas’ maiden Australian season by a month with the addition of four new sailings, giving Aussie guests more opportunities to experience the incredible ground-breaking ship. The brand also confirmed that Ovation of the Seas will return for a second season in the summer of 2017/18 due to the extraordinary demand for the ship from Australians.
Final deployment details for both new programs will be released later in April, however guests who would like to be the first to know itinerary details and receive exclusive notice of the on-sale date are encouraged to register their interest here: www.ovationoftheseas.com.au/newsletter
Ovation spans 18 decks, encompasses 168,666 gross registered tons, carries 4,180 guests at double occupancy and features 2,091 staterooms.
For further information about Ovation of the Seas, or to book a cruise, visit www.royalcaribbean.com.au, phone 1800 754 500 or see your local travel agent.
SOURCE: Royal Caribbean International