Queen Latifah – Grammy award-winning musical artist, television and film actress, label president, author and entrepreneur – has been named the godmother to Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, Carnival Horizon.
Latifah will participate in the ship’s official naming ceremony as well as a special “Lip Sync Battle: Horizon” showcase that is part of the line’s shipboard reproduction of the hit Paramount Network series. The event will be held during an invitation-only overnight gala onboard Carnival Horizon in New York City on May 23, 2018.
Currently starring in the FOX series “STAR,” Latifah has earned an Oscar nomination, a Golden Globe nomination and a SAG Award nomination for her portrayal as Mama Morton in Chicago. She also received an Emmy nomination, a Golden Globe win and a SAG Award win for performances in both “Life Support” and “Bessie,” an HBO biopic on the legendary jazz artist Bessie Smith, as well as accolades for her performance as the title character in NBC’s The Wiz Live!
The first hip-hop artist to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Latifah has earned six Grammy nominations and a Grammy Award for Best Solo Rap Performance. Her production company, Flavor Unit Entertainment, has quickly grown to prominence, producing award-winning television shows, blockbuster hits and independent films for a variety of Hollywood studios.
The May 23 gala will recognize long-time Carnival partner St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with a check presentation from funds raised via various activities and events, both on board and ashore, leading up to the event. Additionally, Carnival will unveil special custom-designed artwork created by more than 30 St. Jude patients that will appear on the Carnival Horizon’s “Dreamscape,” a three-deck-high LED sculpture that takes center stage in the ship’s atrium.
Following the event, Carnival Horizon begins its summer schedule from New York that runs through September followed by the launch year-round Caribbean cruises from Miami later that month.
As the line’s newest ship, Carnival Horizon will introduce a number of new amenities, including Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse|Brewhouse with BBQ favorites created by Food Network star Guy Fieri in addition to the first Dr. Seuss-themed water park, part of the line’s exclusive partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, the bike-ride-in-the-sky attraction called SkyRide, an IMAX Theatre, and more.
A wide range of accommodations will also be offered, including spa cabins with exclusive privileges at the Cloud 9 Spa, extra-roomy staterooms in Family Harbor, and tropics-inspired Havana staterooms and suites with exclusive daytime access to a Cuban-themed bar and pool.
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