Celebrity Cruises introduced the Godmothers for the fleet's newest vessel - Celebrity Ascent, scheduled for inauguration in November 2023.
On Monday, August 7th, the line revealed that Captain Sandy Yawn, renowned for her role on Bravo TV’s popular show, Below Deck, along with her sister Michelle Dunham, the visionary behind the Jacksonville School for Autism (JSA), had been chosen as the co-Godmothers of the forthcoming vessel.
These sisters will join the esteemed ranks of the industry's pioneering pair of brother Captains, Dimitrios and Tasos Kafetzis, who were earlier announced this year to jointly steer the new ship.
Captain Sandy and Michelle will now become part of an esteemed lineage of influential and inspirational women who have held the honored position of Godmother for Celebrity's ships.
Previous Godmothers from the EDGE-class ships include Simone Biles (19-time World Champion and 7-time Olympic Medalist) who inaugurated Celebrity Beyond in 2022, Reshma Saujani (CEO of Girls Who Code) who christened Celebrity Apex in 2021, and Malala Yousafzai (Nobel laureate and activist) who ushered in the first ship in this series - Celebrity Edge, in 2018.
Laura Hodges Bethge (Celebrity’s President) said they were honored to have Captain Sandy and her sister Michelle join the legacy of Celebrity’s Godmothers, as they were both inspirational women who had dedicated their lives to making a positive impact in the world.
“Captain Sandy’s life story is one of resilience, leadership and strength, as a pioneer in the maritime industry and as an inspirational role model for young women. Her sister Michelle is a tireless advocate for children with autism and shows us what is possible when you follow your vision for a better world. Both women live by Celebrity’s values, and we have no doubt they are the perfect choices for Ascent.”
One of the maritime world's most cherished traditions, the Godmother represents the spiritual essence of a ship – she is the embodiment of inspiration, protection, and positive influence for everyone sailing on board. On December 1st, 2023, during Ascent’s official naming ceremony, both sisters will bestow their blessings upon the ship, ushering in good fortune and safeguarding the crew and all passengers on their journey.