Royal Caribbean International celebrated the homecoming of the world’s largest cruise ship with the naming ceremony of Symphony of the Seas, the 25th ship in the cruise line’s fleet. Symphony was named by Royal Caribbean’s first-ever Godfamily, actors Alexa and Carlos PenaVega, who, along with 23-month-old son Ocean, were on hand to christen the ship and bestow a blessing of safekeeping over her crew and guests.
With almost 1,000 guests in attendance, Symphony of the Seas was christened while dockside at the cruise line’s new Terminal A at PortMiami, making for the largest naming ceremony in Royal Caribbean’s history. The customary event was infused with modern day elements – ranging from an electronic violinist who performed throughout the ceremony, to a sail away performance by nearly 400 choreographed drones – and also incorporated a number of local Miami touches.
Florida International University’s Marching Band kicked off the celebration, while students from Miami Southridge Senior High headlined the occasion on stage with a drumline performance. Through Royal Caribbean’s partnership with the GRAMMY Museum, Miami Southridge Senior High was one of 20 high schools within the Miami-Dade County Public School District that received a Royal Caribbean-funded grant through the GRAMMY Museum Signature Schools program, which supports music education programs in underserved high schools.
Joining sister ship Allure of the Seas at Royal Caribbean’s Terminal A, Symphony will sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises with visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise line’s newly revealed private destination in The Bahamas. The 170,000-square-foot Terminal A is expected to generate $500 million in revenue and bring 4,000 new jobs to Miami-Dade County. It is anticipated that Royal Caribbean will welcome at least 1.8 million guests at PortMiami, representing at least 30 percent of the port’s projected traveler traffic.
For more information, visit www.royalcaribbean.com.
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