It’s common for cruise lines to choose a celebrity as godmother of a new cruise ship, but Royal Caribbean took a different approach for its new flagship, Wonder of the Seas, and has revealed the “Wonder Mom” who will headline the ship’s upcoming naming ceremony.
“Wonder Mom” was chosen after a search began in August on the popular social media platform TikTok with a contest using the #SearchForWonderMom hashtag.
Wonder of the Seas Godmother
Royal Caribbean’s “Wonder Mom” is Pennsylvania resident Marie McCrea, who was nominated by her daughter, Allie, in the TikTok contest. McCrea will preside over the ceremony on Dec. 9 at Wonder of the Seas’ new year-round homeport, Florida’s Port Canaveral.
Calling McCrea a devoted mom, wife, and cancer survivor, Royal Caribbean said she “overcame adversity with incredible strength, and at the center of her story are the memories she inspired and made with her family through it all.”
“The search for such an inspiring mom who embodies the spirit of Wonder of the Seas was anything but easy. Marie and her family have a heartening and encouraging story that made us cry and rejoice and hopeful, and throughout it all, she inspired wonder and adventure in those around her,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.
“I want to thank everyone who nominated the Wonder Moms in their own lives. More than 16,000 videos were created, and I was in awe of all the incredible stories of the everyday heroes who are motivating those around them to discover, wonder and make memories,” said Bayley.
McCrea Family To Sail Aboard Christening Cruise
Following the ceremony, McCrea and her family will set sail on the ship’s 7-night Caribbean cruise with accommodations in the ship’s Ultimate Family Suite, which features an in-suite slide, a cinema and karaoke room, game consoles, and a private balcony.
Royal Caribbean also will treat the family to first-class flights to and from Port Canaveral, and provide spending money. The sailing will visit Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
A Royal Caribbean panel considered the top submissions before choosing McCrea for the honor. In the cruise line statement, McCrea called it a tremendous honor to be chosen. “I am so excited to have the opportunity to serve as the godmother for Wonder of the Seas,” she said.
The cruise line has also invited the Wonder Moms, who were finalists, to set sail on Wonder of the Seas with their families.
Wonder of the Seas to Sail Eastern, Western Caribbean
Wonder of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world at 236,857 gross tons and with a guest capacity of 5,734 at double occupancy. The vessel is the fifth in the popular Oasis class, which introduced the neighborhood concept that includes the Boardwalk, Central Park, Entertainment Place, and Royal Promenade, among others.
It features activity options for all ages, such as strolling through Central Park’s 20,000 real plants, or enjoying performers, aerialists, divers, and the high-tech superheroes of The Effectors II: Crash ‘n’ Burn, which debuts on Wonder of the Seas.
Wonder of the Seas entered service last spring, with a maiden voyage on March 24, offering a short series of Eastern Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, followed by a summer schedule in the Western Mediterranean, sailing between Rome and Barcelona.
The ship arrived at Port Canaveral on Nov. 13 and will operate one 3-day Bahamas cruise on Dec. 4 before beginning a series of 6- to 8-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings.
