Hi-tech cruise liner Anthem of the Seas has been launched in Southampton – not by a celebrity, but by a travel agent. Emma Wilby, 27, was chosen by Royal Caribbean to be Godmother of the world’s most technologically advanced cruise ship.
And she sings too. Sunderland-born Emma took centre stage during the ceremony with Welsh choir and Britain’s Got talent finalists Only Boys Aloud to sing Katy Perry’s Firework.
Anthem of the Seas can carry nearly 5,000 passengers, has 18 decks and is 248 metres long – 40 metres longer than the Shard. And it’s got some novel features, North Star, a glass capsule that takes guests more than 300 feet above the ocean for panoramic views, robotic bartenders, on-board circus skills training and the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea, SeaPlex. There’s also 18 onboard restaurants and entertainment in the Music Hall and the Royal Theatre.
Stuart Leven, Royal Caribbean MD in UK & Ireland, said, “Royal Caribbean really likes to do things differently, from the way we build our ships to the way we found our Godmother. Just look at Anthem of the Seas – there’s something for everyone, indoors and outdoors, and we’re confident this ship will help us to attract a whole new audience to cruising.
“The UK and Ireland is our second largest market and with over 1.7m Brits now taking a cruise every year it has huge importance for our business.”
Anthem of the Seas is sailing its inaugural summer season from Southampton to the Mediterranean. See Royal Caribbean.
