An American cancer survivor has been selected to name new Royal Caribbean International ship Wonder of the Seas after a contest on TikTok.
Marie McCrea, from Pennsylvania was nominated by her daughter to bless the latest Oasis-class ship at a ceremony in Port Canaveral on December 9.
The TikTok search for “the ultimate wonder mom” attracted more than 16,000 videos as part of 10.6 billion #SeachforWonderMom hashtag views, according to the line
McCrea, who will sail on the naming ceremony cruise, was chosen by a Royal Caribbean panel which considered the top submissions.
The company said: “A devoted mom, wife and cancer survivor, Marie overcame adversity with incredible strength, and at the centre of her story are the memories she inspired and made with her family through it all.”
Others who were finalists have been invited to sail on the ship with their families.
Royal Caribbean International chief executive Michael Bayley said: “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.
“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.”