Cruise & Cruise Line

Miss USA 2016 Deshauna Barber Named Godmother of Carnival Vista

Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 8:00 PM ET, Fri October 7, 2016

Carnival Cruise Line's newest ship now has a godmother in Miss USA 2016 Deshauna Barber.

Barber made history this past summer when she became the first woman serving in the U.S. military to win the coveted title.

The 26-year-old Washington, D.C. native will officially name the 3,936-passenger ship during an upcoming onboard ceremony, the Miami-based cruise line confirmed Wednesday. The overnight gala event will honor Operation Homefront and will feature an exclusive concert from country star Carrie Underwood.

Designed to raise funds for the organization, the event will include overnight accommodations, meals, activities and entertainment for a slew of military families.

"Deshauna is the ideal candidate to serve as Carnival Vista's godmother, embodying the spirit of commitment and sacrifice to those who protect our freedom each and every day," said Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy in a statement.

[READMORE] READ MORE: First-Ever IMAX Theater At Sea: A Booming Hit For Carnival Vista[/READMORE]

"Carnival is a longtime supporter of the military carrying more active and retired Armed Forces personnel than any other cruise line so it's our honor and privilege to have Deshauna serve as the godmother to our newest and largest ship."

Barber, who joined the Army Reserve in 2011, is currently a logistics commander for the 988th Quartermaster Detachment Unit in Rockville, Maryland.

Barber will represent the U.S. at Miss Universe 2016, the winner of which will be announced January 30, 2017.

Meanwhile, the Carnival Vista is scheduled to reposition to the U.S. next month where it will operate two 11-day cruises from New York before entering year-round service to the Caribbean out of Miami.

The ship, which made its maiden voyage this past May, features a series of industry innovations, including the first IMAX Theatre at sea and a 455-foot-long water slide.


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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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