by Eric Bowman
Last updated: 11:20 AM ET, Fri August 15, 2025
The new world’s largest cruise ship now has a new Godmother.
Astronaut, author, and science communicator Kellie Gerardi will replace Diana Ross, who had to step down from the role last week due to unforeseen circumstances.
Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley announced the decision during a media press conference here onboard Star of the Seas. Bayley spoke about how the company acted quickly in finding a replacement, focusing on what is at the core of the new cruise ship.
“[Star of the Seas] is like another level of adventure and excitement and just really super special,” Bayley said. “It’s sailing out of Port Canaveral. So, why don’t we find someone who’s maybe like an astronaut? Someone who has been to space and could really embody what Royal Caribbean’s doing in terms of adventure and excitement and all that stuff.”
Bayley also emphasized how important it was for the brand to make sure they found a woman to keep it as Godmother status. Star of the Seas is the second ship in the Icon Class. It’s sister ship, Icon of the Seas, was christened by soccer mega-star Lionel Messi.
Gerardi is a payload specialist for Virgin Galactic and the Director of Human Spaceflight Operations at the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences. The 36-year-old became the 90th woman to fly to space back in 2023. She is also the author of two children’s books, Luna Muna and Luna Muna Space Café, and has 1.4 million followers on Instagram. She was named a 2025 Woman of the Year by USA Today, received a 2025 People's Voice Webby Award and named to the TIME100 Creators list for her work on social media.
“She’s wonderful,” said Bayley. “She’s got a great sense of humor, very articulate, she’s a mom….we’re all very excited that she accepted the role.”
Gerardi is scheduled to christen the ship on the August 20th sailing next week.
Star of the Seas will homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida, offering 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, with stops at the cruise line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
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