Cruising is back, bringing with it a new relevance.Celebrity Beyond, the third ship in Celebrity Cruises transformational Edge Series, kicked off its inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 4, sailing from Port Everglades following the ship’s official naming ceremony by world-renowned gymnast Simone Biles.
As Beyond’s Godmother, Biles is an inspirational female powerhouse, a 19-time World Champion, seven-time Olympic Medalist and most decorated American gymnast in history.
Her choice as Godmother under-scores Celebrity’s commitment to its pillars of diversity & inclusion, female empowerment and sustainability.
Celebrity Beyond is helmed by Capt. Kate McCue, who broke barriers as the first and still only woman
to be named captain of a “Mega” cruise ship.
“I can think of no one better to be the Godmother of this incredible ship than the G.O.A.T. herself – Simone Biles,” said Jason Liberty, President and CEO of the Royal Caribbean Group, the parent company of Celebrity Cruises.
“This ship’s beauty, power, and resilience sets the standard by which all others will be measured. Simone’s determination, progressive nature, empowered attitude, and grace in the face of challenges make her such an inspiration to so many around the world.”
Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo added: “I’ve been waiting for this day to arrive for a long time and I am ‘Beyond’ excited to be able to share her with our guests.”
“She is the gold standard by which other ships are built and embodies the meaning of relaxed luxury,” said Lutoff-Perlo
Alongside Liberty, Lutoff-Perlo and other Celebrity Cruises executives, Simone Biles officially named Celebrity Beyond in a beautiful ceremony attended by 2500 lucky guests and media, capped by a live performance from award-winning singer and song-writer, Leona Lewis.
The three Celebrity Edge ships embody female empowerment. Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai inaugurated Celebrity Edge, the first ship in the series, and Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO of international non-profit Girls Who Code, was Godmother of Celebrity Apex, second in the series of ground-breaking ships.
Both inspiring women are renowned for their advocacy of women everywhere.
As for Biles, she is more than her inspiring gymnastic accomplishments, and has been included in TIME’S 100 Most Influential, Forbes 30 Under 30, Ebony Power 100, amongst many important lists, placing herself firmly as a role model for women everywhere.
“It is an honor to be selected as Beyond’s Godmother and to join such a distinguished group of strong, barrier-breaking women who have been named as Celebrity’s Godmothers before me,” said Simone Biles.
“I appreciate the important message this designation holds in recognizing our accomplishments as empowering women, and I am honored to share the stage today with fellow brave, boundary-breaking leaders like Lisa-Lutoff Perlo and Captain Kate McCue.”
Beyond Expectations
Every element of Celebrity Beyond’s look and feel has been carefully curated with re-imagined, upgraded spaces and a host of luxurious amenities that reflect the cruise line’s pillars.
Inspired by a vision to take the cruise industry into the next era of luxury, Celebrity Beyond showcases the design talents of multi-award-winning British designer Kelly Hoppen CBE; celebrated American designer Nate Berkus; and Paris-based design firm Jouin Manku; the innovation of British architect Tom Wright; the culinary talents of Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Daniel Boulud; and experiences and products from goop CEO and founder Gwyneth Paltrow, the brand’s Well-Being Advisor.
The ship’s arrival to the U.S. comes on the heels of Celebrity’s new brand campaign that defines what a relaxed luxury resort at sea is.
As it kicks off its inaugural season with rotating Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries, guests will be treated to luxury hotel style accommodations, Michelin-level dining, and world-class wellness amenities, including a transformative retail experience created in collaboration with Starboard Cruise Services.