Queen Latifah added a new jewel to her gem encrusted crown of
achievements when she was selected to be the Godmother of the Horizon, Carnival
Cruise Lines’ latest addition to an impressive fleet. The Naming Ceremony was
held on May 23, 2018 on board the ship to celebrate a powerful triumvirate, the
ship’s Godmother and inaugural sailing, Carnival’s commitment to providing fun
and affordable experiences on ship and on shore and the company’s unwavering
support of St. Jude’s Children’s
Hospital. At the ceremony Carnival presented a check for $100,000, adding to
the $16-million previously raised.
Documentary evidence traces the significance of the naming of
ships to the ancient Egyptians circa 1550 BC. The rituals surrounding the
naming was considered vital in order to bless the vessel and ensure good luck
as well as safe and profitable voyages. Offerings were given, and still are in
the form of champagne, and are originally believed to have been blood
sacrifices in the form of animals, and in some cases humans. The ceremony had
to occur prior to the ship’s inaugural launch or bad luck was inevitable and
the individual leading the ritual was held in the highest esteem.
Modern Godmothers are chosen because they personify the characteristics
and spirit of the vessel. In choosing the ship or the Godmother’s name ancient superstition
has it that the luckiest names have seven letters, do not begin with an “A” but three “A”s within the
name are fortuitous. Queen Latifah, even though her name has only two “A”s, is
a perfect choice. Her name is Arabic and means gentle, friendly and kind and
individuals with that name are said to be highly imaginative and sensitive.
Born Dana Owens, Queen Latifah’s initial brush with fame was in
Shiloh Baptist Church where she sang in the choir. Her first public performance
was in a school production of The Wizard
of Oz. In 1991 she founded Flavor Unit Records and Management Company and in
1993 she recorded an album that earned her a Grammy Award in 1995. Seven years
later she was nominated for an Oscar for Chicago.
During her extensive career she has amassed more than 40 award nominations and
won 14 awards for her music, acting, philanthropic endeavors and positive
image. Always seeking to sail beyond the established horizon Queen Latifah has
become a CoverGirl cosmetics spokesperson and promotes positive self-image with
her personal CoverGirl line of cosmetics, The Queen Collection.
Celebrity’s Horizon’s is worthy of the queen. Constructed in
Italy, the ship is 1,062-ft. long and has a total of fifteen decks with 1,967
staterooms. It is designed to accommodate a total of 4,977 guests and 1,450 international
crewmembers, approximately one crewmember for each 3.4 guests, to ensure
unparalleled, personalized service.
There are more than eighteen restaurants and twenty-two recreation
venues. What really sets Carnival
Horizon apart are the three-deck high IMAX Theater and SportsSquare, the first
ropes course at sea.
“Horizon, the
possibilities are endless.” Queen Latifah
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