FORT LAUDERDALE — It was only fitting that Celebrity Cruises’ greatest-of-all-time ship was officially named by one of the greatest-of-all-time American athletes.

Celebrity Beyond, the company’s newest and most luxurious ship, kicked off its inaugural Caribbean season over the weekend, setting sail from Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 4. Headlining the sailing’s festivities was the ship’s official naming ceremony, led by its Godmother, Simone Biles, a 19-time World Champion, seven-time Olympic medalist and most decorated American gymnast in history.

“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 parent company Royal Caribbean Group. “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. All of these attributes are why Simone Biles is perfectly suited to watch over Celebrity Beyond’s journey.”

The naming ceremony was attended by 2,500 guests and media and included a live performance by award-winning singer Leona Lewis. Biles follows Reshma Saujani of Girls Who Code and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai, who previously inaugurated Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Edge, respectively.

“It is an honour 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 Biles. “I appreciate the important message this designation holds in recognizing our accomplishments as empowering women.”

Helmed by Captain Kate McCue, the first and still-only woman to be named captain of a ‘Mega’ cruise ship, Celebrity Beyond’s inaugural season includes rotating Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries.

Highlights of the ship include the following:

• The Retreat, an exclusive resort-within-a-resort area for suite guests highlighted by a two-storey Retreat Sundeck with secluded cabanas, chic new seating areas, additional water features and the exclusive Retreat Bar; the inviting Retreat Lounge; and the adjacent private restaurant Luminae
• Accommodations with fresh colour palettes and design details that blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living, including the two-storey Edge Villas with outdoor plunge pools, and 1,900-square-feet Iconic Suites, the largest in the fleet, featuring a private sundeck
• A Rooftop Garden and Resort Deck featuring unique cantilevered float pools and sunken seating areas
• A multi-level, multi-terraced Sunset Bar, redefining the ship’s aft with its internationally-inspired beach club ambience
• 32 distinct food and drink venues, including Le Voyage a first-ever Chef Daniel Boulud fine-dining restaurant at sea
• New AquaClass SkySuites, an immersive living experience including floor-to-ceiling ocean views, private balconies, luxurious bedding, complimentary access to the spa’s Thermal Suite and other wellness amenities to help guests find their center
• A selection of signature goop retail products and well-being experiences from the brand including fitness tools for AquaClass guests, on-demand wellness classes on stateroom TVs, a custom detox smoothie and more
• A Grand Plaza spanning three decks at the center of the ship, creating an airy and open indoor space with the brand’s signature Martini Bar as the showpiece
• The Magic Carpet, considered one of the most unique design innovations ever for a cruise ship, that soars cantilevered above the sea, offering guests uninterrupted vistas while sipping cocktails or having dinner
• Cutting-edge entertainment including a host of new live show spectaculars and onboard interactive experiences

For more information on all Celebrity Beyond sailings, visit https://www.celebritycruises.com/gb/cruise-ships/celebrity-beyond.