Cruise & Cruise Line

Carnival Announces Queen Latifah as Godmother to New Carnival Horizon

Image: PHOTO: Queen Latifah will be the godmother to Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Horizon. (photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)
Image: PHOTO: Queen Latifah will be the godmother to Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Horizon. (photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)
Jason Leppert
by Jason Leppert
Last updated: 12:35 AM ET, Fri March 2, 2018

Carnival Cruise Line just revealed its latest in a lineup of traditional ship godmothers-Queen Latifah. She will serve the honorary role for the company's upcoming new Carnival Horizon when she officially names and christens the vessel in New York City on May 23, 2018.

"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, in a press release.

"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."

Queen Latifah is a multifaceted dynamo as a Grammy award-winning musical artist, television and film actress, label president, author, entrepreneur and now godmother. The announcement follows Carnival bringing on a similarly energetic personality in Shaquille O'Neal as its "CFO," or Chief Fun Officer.

"Carnival is an iconic American brand and it's an honor to be named godmother of Carnival Horizon and take part in the event on May 23, honoring the special children of St. Jude - a cause that is very near and dear to my heart," said Latifah, in the release.

The New York City naming ceremony will bestow a check to partner St. Jude Children's Research Hospital with funds raised during onboard and shoreside activities and events prior to the party. As previously revealed, artwork from over 30 St. Jude patients will be displayed on the ship's triple-decker "Dreamscape" atrium LED sculpture.

After the christening, Carnival Horizon will commence a summer season from New York until September when the ship will transfer to year-round Caribbean voyages from Miami.

The Horizon will be similar to sister-ship Carnival Vista with favorite features such as the SkyRide and IMAX Theatre along for the ride, but it will introduce a number of new ones as well. Fresh onboard will be Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse|Brewhouse with fare from Food Network star Guy Fieri as well as a Dr. Seuss-themed water park in collaboration with Dr. Seuss Enterprises.

Guests will be catered to in accommodations encompassing Cloud 9 Spa cabins with pampering perks, extra spacious Family Harbor staterooms and tropical-themed Havana cabins and suites with private daytime access to a Cuban-inspired bar and pool.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Jason Leppert

Jason Leppert

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

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...