Royal Caribbean Taps Meghan Trainor as Godmother for New Mega Ship

Royal Caribbean’s new Utopia of the Seas will soon join sister ship Wonder at Port Canaveral. American singer and songwriter Meghan Trainor has been tapped as the ship’s godmother.

The Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France delivered it on June 13, and it is scheduled to arrive at the Florida port on July 11. Upon reaching its destination, it will undergo a Coast Guard inspection, a naming ceremony, and a plaque exchange before embarking on a shakedown cruise. 

The three-night naming party starts on July 15 and features a visit to Royal Caribbean’s private destination in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Trainor, recently known for controversial remarks against school teachers in 2023 and her hit singles “All That Bass” and “Made You Look,” is scheduled to host and perform at the ship’s Aqua Theater.

“It’s an incredible honor to join the Royal Caribbean family as godmother of Utopia of the Seas and set the tone for the parties to come,” Trainor said.

Utopia: The “Ultimate Weekend”

Marketed as “the world’s biggest weekend,” Utopia of the Seas is the cruise line’s second-biggest ship class. It was designed to offer short 3-—and 4-night itineraries that leave on Fridays and Mondays. On July 19, it will begin cruising to the Bahamas, visiting Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley described its itineraries: “With the delivery of Utopia of the Seas, we have the keys to the ultimate weekend.”  “This is the short vacation that packs every way to make amazing memories in a 3-night weekend or 4-night weekday getaway. Vacationers want every minute to be a minute well spent, and the unmatched combination of Utopia and Perfect Day at CocoCay will deliver that,” he added.

The vessel’s immense size allows it to host 22 restaurants, 13 lounges and bars, eight themed neighborhoods, six areas for small children, and five pools. The 236,860-ton ship is also home to a 10-story zipline, a 259-foot dry slide, two casinos, two theaters, and the surfing simulator FlowRider.

The Oasis-class cruise ship has 18 decks and can accommodate up to 5,668 passengers in its 2,834 staterooms. 

With so many amenities, Port Canaveral’s CEO, John Murray, referred to Utopia as a destination in itself.

Utopia will give Port Canaveral Passenger Numbers a Lift

According to Murray, the world’s busiest port couldn’t surpass last year’s passenger volumes in April and May 2024, but that may change with the Utopia’s arrival. 

In addition to Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line sail from Port Canaveral. Management is supporting the facility’s growth by building a seventh cruise terminal, which is expected to be completed by 2026.