Co-Godmothers Named for Celebrity Ascent

Celebrity Cruises is gearing up for the November launch of its upcoming new ship Celebrity Ascent. The cruise line has announced that Captain and Bravo’s ‘Below Deck’ star Sandy Yawn and her sister Michelle Dunham, founder of the Jacksonville School for Autism (JSA), have been selected as Celebrity Ascent’s Co-Godmothers. 

The two will participate in a time-honored at-sea tradition during Ascent’s official naming ceremony on December 1, 2023. Both sisters will bless and christen the ship, to bring good luck and protection for the crew and all passengers onboard.

Captain Sandy and Michelle will join the ranks of a powerful group of women who also serve as Celebrity Cruises Edge series ship Godmothers. Others holding this title include Simone Biles (Godmother of Celebrity Beyond), Reshma Saujani (Godmother of Celebrity Apex), and Malala Yousafzai (Godmother of Celebrity Edge). 

"We are honored to have Captain Sandy and her sister Michelle join the legacy of Celebrity’s Godmothers, as they are both inspirational women who have dedicated their lives to making a positive impact in the world,” says Laura Hodges Bethge, Celebrity Cruises’ President. “Captain Sandy’s life story is one of resilience, leadership and strength, as a pioneer in the maritime industry and as an inspirational role model for young women. Her sister Michelle is a tireless advocate for children with autism and shows us what is possible when you follow your vision for a better world. Both women live by Celebrity’s values, and we have no doubt they are the perfect choices for Ascent.” 

About the Co-Godmothers

Captain Sandy well represents Celebrity Cruises’ goal of naming powerful women as ship godmothers. She has held an illustrious career in the yachting industry, with an outstanding reputation. Her remarkable leadership and bravery during a catastrophic fire and pirate threat off the coast of Yemen, led to her receiving the prestigious Distinguished Crew Award from the International Superyacht Society in 2006. She is a best-selling author, a motivational speaker, and is passionate about sharing her life stories to inspire others. 

“As I embark on this remarkable journey as a Co-Godmother of the Celebrity Ascent, I am deeply honored to represent not only the spirit of leadership but also the strength of women empowerment,” says Captain Sandy Yawn. “This role serves as a reminder that women can steer their destinies with grace and determination, commanding the seas of possibility and inspiring others to follow their own paths with courage and conviction. I am so honored that my sister and I can share this distinction. She has always been my biggest inspiration in her selfless pursuit to help my nephew and other families impacted by autism.” 

Michelle Dunham is the co-founder of the Jacksonville School for Autism (JSA). Established in 2005, the school is a not-for-profit private full-service K-12 educational center for students and young adults with autism spectrum disorders. 

“It fills my heart with immense pride to stand as Co-Godmother of the Celebrity Ascent, alongside my sister, Captain Sandy Yawn. As we embark on this journey, much like Celebrity Cruise’s commitment to delivering exceptional vacations and enriching lives, we embrace the same spirit of compassion and positive change,” says Michelle Dunham. “Together, we aspire to elevate lives, create boundless possibilities, and set sail towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all who grace our path through the charities we founded, Jacksonville School for Autism and Captain Sandy’s Charities.”

Celebrity Ascent Launch

Celebrity Ascent will debut this November, sailing from Port Port Everglades. Ascent’s first cruise, sailing on November 22, 2023, is a 4-night Western Caribbean voyage, followed by a 3-Night Bahamas cruise on November 26, 2023. Earlier this year, the cruise line named brothers Dimitrios and Tasos Kafetzis as Co-captains of the ship. 

Bookings are open for all Celebrity Ascent sailings through April 2025. 

Want to be the first to experience Celebrity Ascent? Explore all 2023 Cruises 

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