RCI-Royal Caribbean has appointed astronaut, author, and science communicator Kellie Gerardi as the Godmother of its newest vessel, Star of the Seas. She assumes the role from singer Diana Ross, who withdrew from the honor the previous week due to unforeseen circumstances.
The announcement was delivered aboard the ship by Royal Caribbean’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Bayley. He explained that the decision to select Gerardi was guided by the vessel’s character, describing the Star of the Seas as a ship defined by adventure and a spirit that demanded a Godmother who embodied exploration. Bayley noted that the company had considered the symbolism of appointing an astronaut, whose career in space mirrored the sense of boundless discovery that Royal Caribbean seeks to represent. He also stated that it was important to preserve the longstanding maritime tradition of naming a woman to the role of Godmother.
Gerardi brings with her both professional distinction and public recognition. Serving as Payload Specialist for Virgin Galactic and Director of Human Spaceflight Operations at the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences, she became the 90th woman to travel into space in 2023. Her work extends beyond the field of spaceflight: she is the author of two children’s books, Luna Muna and Luna Muna Space Café, and maintains an audience of over one million followers on social media. Recent accolades include being named a 2025 Woman of the Year by USA Today, receiving a People’s Voice Webby Award, and earning placement on the TIME100 Creators list.
She will officially christen Star of the Seas during the vessel’s August 20th departure from Port Canaveral, Florida. The ship, second in the Icon class after Icon of the Seas — christened by footballer Lionel Messi — will sail 7-night itineraries through the Eastern and Western Caribbean, including calls at Royal Caribbean’s private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay.