Carnival Horizon Godmother Named

Carnival Cruise Line has named the godmother of their newest upcoming ship, Carnival Horizon.

Grammy award-winning artist, actress, and author Queen Latifah has been afforded the honor, and will participate in the ship’s official naming ceremony. She will also be a part of a special “Lip Sync Battle: Horizon” showcase that is part of Carnival’s onboard version of the popular TV show. The events will be held aboard Carnival Horizon in New York City on May 23, 2018.

Currently starring in the FOX series “STAR,” Latifah earned Oscar, Golden Globe, and SAG Award nominations for her portrayal as Mama Morton in Chicago. She also received Golden Globe and SAG Award wins for performances in “Life Support” and “Bessie,” an HBO biopic on the legendary jazz artist Bessie Smith. 

Latifah was the first hip-hop artist to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and has earned six nominations and one Grammy Award for Best Solo Rap Performance. Her production company, Flavor Unit Entertainment, produces award-winning TV shows and independent films for a variety of Hollywood studios.

”With her fun-loving spirit and positive, can-do attitude, Queen Latifah embodies our brand and knows how to ‘Choose Fun’ in everything she does,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Knowing that she is a long-time supporter of St. Jude and has performed and won ‘Lip Sync Battle’ made her the ideal candidate to serve as godmother to our newest ship,” she added.

The May 23 event will recognize Carnival partner St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with a check from funds raised through various activities and events, both onboard and ashore. During the event, Carnival will also reveal special artwork created by over 30 St. Jude patients that will appear on Horizon’s “Dreamscape” LED sculpture in the atrium.

Following the event, Carnival Horizon will begin her summer schedule from the Big Apple through September, and then head to Miami to begin year-round Caribbean cruises later that month.

Carnival Horizon will offer many of the popular activities and venues onboard Carnival Vista, such as the bicycling-in-the-sky SkyRide attraction and an IMAX Theatre. The vessel will also boast a new concept inspired by Guy Fieri’s barbecue venue on other Carnival ships, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse|Brewhouse. Other amenities include a Dr. Seuss-themed water park, the pharmacy-themed Alchemy Bar, the BlueIguana Cantina, Family Harbor cabins, Havana staterooms, and the Cloud 9 Spa.