![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/63/Sponsor_of_USS_Wichita_%28LCS-13%29_smashes_champagne_bottle_over_bow_of_ship_during_christening_ceremony_US_Navy_160917-N-N0101-100.jpg/330px-Sponsor_of_USS_Wichita_%28LCS-13%29_smashes_champagne_bottle_over_bow_of_ship_during_christening_ceremony_US_Navy_160917-N-N0101-100.jpg)
A ship sponsor, by tradition, is a female civilian who is invited to "sponsor" a vessel, presumably to bestow good luck and divine protection over the seagoing vessel and all that sail aboard.[1] In the United States Navy and the United States Coast Guard, the sponsor is technically considered a permanent member of the ship's crew and is expected to give a part of her personality to the ship, as well as advocate for its continued service and well-being. For passenger ships the sponsor is called a godmother if the sponsor is female, or a godfather if the sponsor is male.
See also
- Ceremonial ship launching (christening)
References
- Carnival Cruise Lines News." Carnival Cruise Lines News Ship Fact Sheets Category. N.p., 2012. Web. 26 Apr. 2013.
- "Godmothers of Princess Ships." Www.princess.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2013.
- Princess Cruises Ship Christeners : Princess Cruises." Www.princess.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2013.