Diana Ross is not going to be the godmother of Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas in spite of everything.
On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, her crew confirmed she would now not be capable to take part within the ship’s upcoming naming voyage, citing “unexpected circumstances.”
“Resulting from unexpected circumstances, Diana Ross can be unable to seem,” her consultant mentioned, per Individuals journal.
The disappointing replace arrives after the 81-year-old legendary musician was introduced as the brand new ship’s godmother in June. The preliminary announcement revealed Ross would preside over the latest Icon-class ship’s christening throughout a three-day showcase voyage departing on Wednesday, August 20, from Port Canaveral, Florida, with a cease on the line’s personal island, Good Day at CocoCay.
Royal Caribbean CEO and president Michael Bayley mentioned in a launch that he “couldn’t think about a extra becoming godmother for Star than Diana Ross.”
“I’m really honored to hitch the Royal Caribbean household,” she mentioned within the launch. “Having spent years creating stunning music and reminiscences and bringing individuals collectively from everywhere in the world, this looks like an ideal continuation of my journey as godmother of Star of the Seas.”
Chatting with Individuals journal in regards to the honor, she mentioned, “I’ve all the time felt a deep connection to the ocean and the magic it represents — peace, journey and awe. When Royal Caribbean reached out to ask me to be the godmother of Star of the Seas, I knew it was one thing really particular.”
She added that her entire household, together with her children and grandkids, had been invited to hitch her in the course of the christening voyage.
“That’s actually what this ship is all about — pleasure and household enjoyable,” she mentioned.
On this planet of cruises, the position of godmother is steeped in maritime custom. For hundreds of years, ships have been bestowed with blessings for protected passage, prosperity, and safety, usually marked by a ceremonial champagne christening.
At this time, cruise traces usually select girls who embody inspiration, achievement, and world enchantment. Royal Caribbean has beforehand honored a number of Black girls on this position, together with Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Hudson, Mariah Carey, and, extra just lately, Whoopi Goldberg, who was named godmother of the viral Serenade of the Seas, which launched into a nine-month world cruise final 12 months.
In response to Ross pulling out, Royal Caribbean mentioned it was “disenchanted” however “excited” to call a brand new godmother quickly.
In the meantime, Ross, who simply accomplished an area tour in July within the U.Okay., is slated to start out her “Lovely Love” tour within the U.S. on August 16, in Saratoga, California.
