Bicton Travel’s Carole Smethurst will join the likes of Mariah Carey, Pitbull, the Duchess of Cambridge and Jessica Mauboy as the godmother of a ship.
The Perth-based agent will step into the glamorous role on 14 June in Vilshofen, Germany when she blesses and breaks a bottle of Champagne over APT’s newest vessel MS AmaStella.
Although godparent duties are often reserved for celebrities and royalty (people who will gain a fair bit of attention) in a few special cases, cruise lines will opt to express their gratitude by selecting an industry professional.
In this case, Carole was selected because of her reputation as one of the foremost cruise experts in Australia with an online cruise agency and a retail store that has won numerous awards for its cruise sales.
Godmother Carole said being invited to be a ship’s Godmother “is the ultimate honour”.
“I am looking forward to the blessing, and most importantly, to setting sail aboard this fine luxury vessel.”
Carole Smethurst, Bicton Travel Owner
“Clients will definitely be hearing all about this unforgettable experience.”
Joining Carole at the christening ceremony will be APT Group company director Robert McGeary and managing director Chris Hall.
For the first time the event will take place in the evening and APT has extended an invitation to attend to the local Vilshofen community.
Local residents have been invited to join the festivities at the ceremony, which commences at 8.30pm at the main pier. A blessing will take place by a local priest and Vilshofen’s Mayor, Florian Gams, will also welcome the ship to the locality.
The 158-passenger AmaStella will sail the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers in 2016 and offers innovative design features including twin balconies (an APT exclusive) and spacious suites that measure up to 350 sq. feet.