MIAMI, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Since the first
time humans took to the seas, choosing a ship's name has been the
most integral part of launching a new vessel. From Christopher Columbus' Santa Maria, to
Captain Cook's Endeavor, to the
legendary Norse longship Skíðblaðnir, a ship's name establishes its
lofty purpose. Last week, an unlikely name crafted by wordsmith
James Hand entered the pantheon of legendary ship names – Boaty
McBoatface.
The whimsical moniker, submitted as part of the UK's Natural
Environment Research Council's contest to name its newest
$300 million Antarctic survey vessel,
has sparked debate on whether the name Boaty McBoatface has
the gravitas suitable for its mission. Regardless of the contest
outcome, which ends April 16, Royal
Caribbean knows that James Hand has
forever altered the business of naming ships, and perhaps could
make a career out of it. Therefore, Royal Caribbean is thrilled to
extend James Hand an offer to bring
his talents on deck, and help Royal Caribbean develop the name for
a future ship. With five ships debuting in the next three
years, Hand's clever copywriting skills will surely be put to good
use.
"The people of the United
Kingdom know the name of a great ship when they see it,"
said Michael Bayley, President and
CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "Like the rest of the world, we
fell in love with the name Boaty McBoatface when we heard
it, and we knew immediately that Royal Caribbean could use
James Hand's talent to name our next
ship."
As the first step, Royal Caribbean is inviting James Hand to sail on its newest and biggest
ship, Harmony of the Seas, when she launches in Southampton, UK this May. Hand will meet with
the cruise line's very own ship naming experts to discuss potential
names for a forthcoming ship.
"If James accepts our offer, who knows, perhaps he could name
all our future ships," added Bayley. "James
Hand, Chief Naming Officer, Royal Caribbean International.
It has a nice ring to it."
For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers
should call their travel agent; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call
(800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.
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SOURCE Royal Caribbean International