Popular Radio Personality is Norwegian's New Godfather

Image: PHOTO: Radio personality and Norwegian Bliss godfather Elvis Duran (left) and Norwegian Cruise Line President and CEO Andy Stuart. (photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)
Image: PHOTO: Radio personality and Norwegian Bliss godfather Elvis Duran (left) and Norwegian Cruise Line President and CEO Andy Stuart. (photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)
Jason Leppert
by Jason Leppert
Last updated: 2:07 PM ET, Tue December 5, 2017

In keeping with the company's modern direction away from traditional ship godmothers, Norwegian Cruise Line has selected Elvis Duran to be godfather to its upcoming Norwegian Bliss.

The nationally syndicated radio personality and host of "Elvis Duran and the Morning Show" will christen the new ship on May 30, 2018 in Seattle, Washington ahead of its Alaskan debut.

"Elvis Duran epitomizes the high-energy, and liveliness that the ship represents and we're very excited to have him join the family as Godfather to Norwegian Bliss," said Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line's president and chief executive officer, in a press release.

"Norwegian Cruise Line's mission is first and foremost to provide guests with a one-of-a-kind unforgettable vacation and continue to develop and offer guests the latest innovative experiences. As one of the most beloved radio hosts in history, Elvis' commitment to entertainment and bringing laughter and joy to his listeners each day is exactly why we believe he is the perfect fit to represent Norwegian Bliss."

The Bliss will feature a number of onboard attractions first introduced on the line's latest Norwegian Joy in the Chinese market. As I previewed firsthand on that vessel, The Bliss sister-ship will carry over the exciting on-deck go-kart racetrack. It will also highlight The Waterfront wraparound promenade deck for extending dining and entertainment to the al fresco boardwalk.

As godfather of Bliss, Elvis Duran will follow Pitbull for Norwegian Escape and Wang Leehom for Norwegian Joy, as well as other brand godmothers like Kim Cattrall, Reba McEntire, Rosie O'Donnell and the Radio City Rockettes.

He was chosen because he, "mirrors the fun, exciting and original personality that Norwegian Bliss so wholly embodies," according to the line.

Duran began hosting his daily morning radio show on New York's Z100 back in 1996 and is now syndicated nationally with a reach of over ten million monthly listeners. "Elvis Duran and the Morning Show" ranks highest among Top 40 morning shows across multiple demographics and markets.

The program is known for entertainment and pop culture news, celebrity guests and hit songs, plus regular bits like "Entertainment Report" for gossip, "Headlines" for news and "Phone Taps" for pranks.

"I am honored to be named Godfather for Norwegian Bliss," said Elvis Duran, in the release. "This incredible ship and all the innovative activities onboard, from the race track to Broadway shows, perfectly reflect the energy and excitement of our morning show and we are looking forward to bringing our loyal listeners along for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. I can't wait until she arrives next May!"

On May 30, Elvis will be joined by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.'s President and CEO Frank Del Rio as well as Norwegian Cruise Line President and CEO Andy Stuart when a bottle of ceremonial champagne is broken against the ship's hull.

The line's sixteenth ship will embark on weekly 7-day Alaskan summer sailings from its Seattle homeport before heading to the Caribbean by November 2018 for 7-day eastern itineraries from Miami, Florida.

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Jason Leppert

Jason Leppert

Jason Leppert - Senior Writer, Cruises and Cruise Travel - is a San Diego-based cruising expert with more than 100 sailings...

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