Multiple Olympic medallist Simone Biles has been named the godmother of Celebrity Beyond ahead of the ship’s official naming ceremony in Fort Lauderdale in November.
Biles joins Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai and Reshma Saujani, founder of non-profit organisation Girls Who Code, who are godmothers of Celebrity’s other Edge-series vessels Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex.
Celebrity said a ship’s godmother inspires “all guests and crew who sail on the ship” and is “considered a lifetime title and honour” for those who earn the honour.
With a combined total of 32 Olympic and World Championship medals, Biles is tied as the most decorated gymnast of all time.
Celebrity Cruises president and chief executive, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, said: “Simone is truly the greatest of all time inside and outside of the gym, and I’m humbled and thrilled to welcome her as godmother of our newest ship Celebrity Beyond.
“While I’ve marvelled at her abilities and historic accomplishments as a gymnast, it’s Simone’s courage to speak out and her ability to help others be better in sport and in life that has impressed me the most. She has risen to the occasion and overcome challenges time and time again. She is an inspiration.”
Biles added she was “honoured” to be a godmother of an Edge-series ship alongside such a “distinguished” group of women.
“I have a lot of great memories of cruising with my parents while growing up, so I am beyond excited to serve as godmother of Celebrity Beyond,” she said.
Celebrity Beyond began its inaugural season on April 27, 2022, with a 10-night sailing from Southampton to Barcelona.
It will now spend the summer season, sailing Mediterranean itineraries.
In November, Celebrity Beyond will reposition to Fort Lauderdale for its naming ceremony and a winter season of five to nine-night Caribbean sailings.