MIAMI – Carlos and Alexa PenaVega, along with their toddler son Ocean, christened the world’s largest cruise ship on Thursday evening.
Fittingly, the world’s biggest bottle of champagne was used during the official naming ceremony for Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas.
The PenaVega’s are the God Family for Symphony of the Seas, and it’s the first time an entire family has christened a Royal Caribbean ship. They’re regulars onboard Royal Caribbean and yes, their son’s name really is Ocean. Talk about being born to cruise.
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A massive ship like this of course needs a grand show for its naming ceremony, and Royal Caribbean didn’t hold back.
The event kicked off with a performance of Clean Bandit’s hit song “Symphony” from Royal Caribbean’s Hairspray cast and a team of dancers.
Introductions of Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, and the Pena Vegas followed, along with a performance of the Star Spangled Banner by the Hairspray cast and Miami Southridge Senior High School’s drum line.
Both Fain and Bayley held high praises for the individuals responsible for the massive ship, as well as the hard-working crew who will help make it an unforgettable experience for all guests.
Additionally, there was much admiration over PortMiami’s Terminal A. After breezing through it earlier today, it’s not hard to see why. The onboarding process was quick and easy.
As Fain put it during his speech, Royal Caribbean has it set up so you’re “from the car to the bar in 10 minutes or less.”
Symphony the Seas was first unveiled in Europe and just last week made its first call in North America at Port Canaveral, Florida. However, Miami will be its home port.
The 228,081-ton vessel has 18 decks, is nearly 1,200 feet long, can hold up to 6,680-passengers and cost over a billion dollars to build. It is the 25th ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet and features a host of extraordinary amenities such as multiple water slides, an arcade room, a basketball court, a Bionic Bar with a robot bartender, several shops and restaurants, the Ultimate Family Suite and more.
Stay tuned to TravelPulse for more highlights from the world’s largest cruise ship.
