PHOTO: The Seven Seas Explorer will be christened by Princess Charlene of Monaco. (Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises)
Princess Charlene of Monaco will serve as godmother of the Seven Seas Explorer, Regent Seven Seas Cruises' new luxury ship, at a gala christening ceremony on July 13 in Monte Carlo.
She'll be joined at the festivities by renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, who will take the stage for a 40-minute performance. Princess Charlene married Monaco's Prince Albert II July 2011. They have twins born in 2014, Crown Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.
"It's fitting to have the world's most luxurious ship, Seven Seas Explorer, christened in one of the most glamorous cities in the world by H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco, who is the definition of elegance, grace and passion," said Jason Montague, president and COO of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. "Her Highness' stature, her career as a world-class athlete and the charitable endeavors she pursues through the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, are inspiring."
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Born in Zimbabwe, Princess Charlene grew up in South Africa. A competitive swimmer, she represented South Africa during various world-class competitions including the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. In 2012, she launched The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation to help teach children and adults basic water safety techniques. The foundation sponsors a number of swim classes and water safety programs in 27 countries, including the U.S. H.S.H. Princess Charlene recently inaugurated the foundation's first U.S. chapter in Los Angeles on May 10.
She is also Global Ambassador of Special Olympics, the world's largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Bocelli has sold more than 80 million albums of both classical and pop music and has performed for four U.S. presidents, three Popes, the British Royal Family - and during the wedding of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene. His most recent album is called "Cinema." His Andrea Bocelli Foundation funds programs to overcome the barriers generated by poverty, disability and social exclusion.
The 750-guest, all-suite Seven Seas Explorer is touted as the world's most luxurious cruise ship. Its maiden voyage is scheduled to depart July 20 and will spend its inaugural season in Europe before heading to Miami for a series of Caribbean voyages.
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