Last updated: 8:35 AM ET, Thu August 14, 2025
Legendary singer Diana Ross is stepping down as the godmother for Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship, the Star of the Seas, which she was planned to christen later this month.
According to PEOPLE, the 81-year-old’s spokesperson didn’t cite a specific reason, only saying that, “Due to unforeseen circumstances, Diana Ross will be unable to appear.”
Royal Caribbean announced her as the new ship’s godmother back in June. The musical icon was originally planned to attend the ship’s naming ceremony before the ship sets sail on its first itinerary from Port Canaveral in Florida on August 20.
Ross is expected to begin her Beautiful Love tour on August 16, though it is unclear if the tour’s schedule is the reason why she can’t make the naming ceremony in Florida.
“We are disappointed that Diana Ross is unable to join us to be the godmother of Star of the Seas,” Royal Caribbean told PEOPLE. “We look forward to announcing our new godmother soon."
The tradition of ships having a godmother is an ancient seafaring tradition that once involved invoking deities to protect the ship in dangerous waters. Nowadays, it’s a ceremonial tradition celebrating the ship’s first time sailing on the water, usually tied to its naming ceremony, when the godmother breaks a glass of champagne on the ship’s hull for good luck.
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