Carnival Cruise Line has named the godmother of revamped Carnival Radiance following the vessel’s $200 million overhaul project.
Author and philanthropist Dr Lucille O’Neal, the mother of the line’s chief fun officer and former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, is the vessel’s godmother.
She will attend its naming ceremony in Long Beach, California, on December 13 and will officially open the Big Chicken restaurant on the vessel alongside her son.
The Big Chicken dining venue will offer dishes based on recipes supplied by the O’Neal family.
Carnival described Lucille as “an accomplished speaker who donates her time and talent to a wide range of charitable organisations”.
She is president and co-founder of the Mothers of Professional Basketball Players.
Lucille said: “When Shaquille was named chief fun officer, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be named godmother of a cruise ship.
“To think that my name will be forever associated with Carnival Radiance and that I’m joining other esteemed women who have served as a Carnival godmother is truly an honour.”
The line’s president, Christine Duffy, called Lucille the “perfect choice” for godmother.
New features were added to Carnival Radiance – formerly Carnival Victory – as part of its stern-to-bow makeover in Cadiz.
These include Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse restaurant, the Heroes Tribute Bar, Italian restaurant Cucina del Capitano, Bonsai Sushi and Caribbean restaurant RedFrog Pub.
Carnival said all the ship’s public spaces had been “transformed” including the water park, youth facilities, shops, and spa.
Carnival Radiance will operate out of Long Beach, offering three- and four-day Mexican Riviera sailings. It will sail alongside Carnival Panorama.
Pictured: Lucille O’Neal with son Shaquille