RC International names Bahamian para-triathlete as godmother of new Odyssey of the Seas ship

Bahamian para-triathlete Erin Brown will now be the godmother of the new – Odyssey of the Seas cruise ship, a title which is given to a civilian, who is selected to bring good luck and security to the vessel. The Royal Caribbean International made the announcement.  

The title also brings several significant responsibilities, and one of them will be attending the ‘Odyssey of the Seas’ launch and naming ceremony’, where she will bless and officially name the ship in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on November 13, 2021. 

Odyssey is one of the largest ships in the world and can accommodate around 4,180 passengers. It is one of the largest vessels in the world.  

The President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International – Michael Bayley, stated that, “From the moment we heard the – story of Erin, how her courage & determination in the face of adversity has inspired others and led to a more inclusive consciousness about – succeeding with disabilities, we were moved & knew she was a great candidate for godmother of our newest ship, – Odyssey of the Seas”. 

President Bayley, following his statement, added that a godmother serves as the guiding spirit of the ship and also brings good luck and safe travels to its crew members and guests.

While expressing his joy over choosing the Bahamian athlete as the godmother of their new vessel, he asserted, “Having Erin as our godmother is a fitting way for us to pay tribute to The Bahamas”. 

Brown’s story – 

Before she was diagnosed with a – rare form of bone cancer called osteosarcoma, Brown was an accomplished collegiate track and field athlete. She suffered a fall that further resulted in a broken leg. 

The Bahamian athlete took the courageous decision to have her foot amputated above the knee after more than a year of chemotherapy. 

Royal Caribbean further highlighted that Brown saw her own mother battle with lupus linked to cancer for 5 years, and that experience further encouraged her to keep striving.  

“She has rebranded herself as a para-triathlete and has inspired a generation of people with disabilities,” the Royal Caribbean added.