American talk show legend Oprah Winfrey has been named the godmother of Holland America’s newest ship Nieuw Statendam.
Winfrey will sail on the vessel on a three-day Girls’ Getaway cruise on January 30 2019 with other members of The Oprah Magazine team.
The Girls’ Getaway cruise sails roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and spends a day at Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s private island in the Bahamas.
The 2,650-passenger capacity Nieuw Statendam is currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy.
Winfrey will serve as godmother of Nieuw Statendam after attending a christening private ceremony at a later date to be announced.
Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line, said: “We are so excited to have Oprah set sail with us again for the Girls’ Getaway cruise in partnership with O, The Oprah Magazine, and we’re deeply honoured that Oprah will serve as godmother of Nieuw Statendam.
“The time-honoured maritime tradition of choosing a godmother for a new vessel dates back more than 4,000 years and is revered as important in bringing good luck and protection to the ship and all who sail on board.
“We anticipate the energy and inspirational spirit will be unlike any other cruise experience there is — and life-changing for many.”
Passengers can attend three live Conversations with Oprah events on board Nieuw Statendam which is due to launch in December this year.