RCI-Royal Caribbean has named retired U.S. Air Force General Lori J. Robinson as the official godmother of Legend of the Seas, ahead of the ship’s arrival in Fort Lauderdale in November.
Robinson is a former commander of the U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), and was the first woman to serve as a U.S. combatant commander. She will assume the traditional role of godmother, which includes bestowing a symbolic blessing of safety on the ship, its crew and guests.
Legend of the Seas will arrive in Fort Lauderdale following its inaugural summer season in Europe. Royal Caribbean will formally welcome the ship to the U.S. during a naming ceremony on Veterans Day, November 11th. The event will bring together Robinson, Royal Caribbean representatives, crew members and guests, while also recognizing military veterans, active-duty service members and military families.
Robinson said she was honoured to take on the role and participate in the naming tradition with her family. She noted that her military career had reinforced the importance of bringing people together around a shared purpose and said she viewed the ship as creating similar opportunities for families and friends. The Veterans Day ceremony, she added, would provide a particularly appropriate setting to recognize those who have served.
Legend of the Seas is designed around a range of family-oriented accommodation, dining, entertainment and recreational options. The ship will feature 28 dining venues, including Royal Railway – Legend Station and the Hollywoodland Supper Club, as well as seven pools.
Among the attractions is Crown’s Edge, which combines elements of a skywalk and zip line ~154 feet above the ocean. Entertainment offerings will include America’s Got Talent LIVE on Legend of the Seas and a production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley said Robinson’s military career and record of service made her a suitable choice for the godmother role. He also highlighted her 37 years as an Air Force commander and the connections between the military community and Royal Caribbean’s wider workforce and guest base.
From Fort Lauderdale, Legend of the Seas will operate 6-night Western Caribbean and 8-night Southern Caribbean itineraries. Both programmes will visit Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.
The ship’s programme at CocoCay will include beaches, pools, swim-up bars and a waterpark. Legend of the Seas is scheduled to enter service from Fort Lauderdale in November, with its cruises available for booking through Royal Caribbean.