Royal Caribbean has chosen seven godmothers to represent the seven neighborhoods on board Oasis of the Seas . Godmothers include singer and songwriter Gloria Estefan (already a godmother to Empress of the Seas), Olympic medalist figure skater Michelle Kwan, multiple Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress Jane Seymour, OBE, 12-time Olympic medalist swimmer Dara Torres, television and motion picture actress Keshia Knight Pulliam, four-time Olympic gymnastics medalist Shawn Johnson and television personality and producer Daisy Fuentes. Royal Caribbean says it chose the aformementioned women because they personify strength of character, exemplify the spirit of giving and are role models for men, women and children alike.

All godmothers are active in various charities, ranging from Kwan as American Public Diplomacy envoy promoting education, positive health practices and respect for diversity to Seymour’s involvement with the J and J Foundation benefiting children in need.

The naming ceremony, part of a one-night inaugural celebration-fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation on board Oasis of the Seas, is set for Nov. 30 at Port Everglades.

Nobody ever said launching a new cruise ship was an easy job, but the crew of the Seabourn Odyssey have been put in a tough position — trying to launch a ship that was way behind schedule. Seabourn was supposed to take delivery of the vessel from Mariotti shipyard in Genoa, Italy on June 15; however, it ended up being three days later on June 18th. Add the fact that the press and travel agent preview cruise from Venice was set on June 22 and the crew had half the time to prepare. Several days ago, Seabourn CEO Pam Conover sent out an e-mail to guests on the preview cruise stating they almost canceled the voyage, but decided not to do so so they wouldn’t “disappoint” us.

When we arrived in our staterooms we received another ‘pardon our dust’ type of letter stating that they are doing “everything humanly possible” to get the Odyssey shipshape. The one area that remains a big problem is the spa — it is simply not finished. Contact workers are busy installing the Hydro Pool and the two Villa Spa Suites have nothing in them. Additionally, only four of the seven treatment rooms are operational. While I think the hydro area will be ready for the first revenue sailing it looks like the villas will not be ready. Spa staff tell me they are hopeful one will be ready in a few days.

I’ve been talking with a number of crew members and the more I learn about what they have accomplished in only three days time is nothing short of extrodinary. One crewmember told me the ceiling was hanging down and boxes were piled high in their department of the ship. Looking into their eyes you can see they are weary from all the work. Still, despite all the stress, the crew remains amazingly optimitistic and very accomodating. They are proud of the new ship and I am sure seasoned Seabourn guests will find the Odyssey an amazing addition to the fleet.

Highlights of the dual inaugural of the Costa Luminosa and Costa Pacifica in Genoa, Italy on June 5, 2009. See a flyover by Italian Air Force team Frecci Tricolori and a performance by Costa Pacifica’s godmother — the singer Noa.

The event is the first time in the world that two cruise liners have been christened at the exact same time and in the same place. The historic event was certified as a Guinness World Record in the new category “Most ships inaugurated in one day by one company”.

Comedian John Cleese is among the guest celebrities featured during ultra-luxury line Silversea Cruises launch of their newest vessel the Silver Spirit.

The Silver Spirit will embark on a jam-packed 91-day grand inaugural sailing. The voyage begins in Fort Lauderdale on January 21, 2009 and will call upon South American and Mexican ports before transiting the Panama Canal and ending in New York City.

Cleese will be aboard the February 20 segment from Buenos Aires to Santiago. Astronaut Kathryn Sullivan will sail from April 2 on the Los Angeles to New York leg of the voyage.

Silversea Cruises is including four on shore events for passengers booking 70 or more days. They are a naming ceremony gala in Fort Lauderdale on January 20, a polo match in Barbados on January 30, prime seats at the Sambadrome for Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro on February 14 and a Panama hat party in Ecuador’s Montecristi on March 16.

Additionally, all passengers on the grand inaugural voyage get three free ‘Silversea Experiences,’ a children’s ballet performance at the grand Teatro José de Alencar in Fortaleza, Brazil, a visit to one of the world’s largest Magellanic penguin colonies near Camarones, Argentina, and a folkloric presentation in the National Theater of Panama.

Visit Silversea’s Web site for more details.