Celebrity Cruises names godmothers of the latest newbuild

Celebrity Cruises names godmothers of the latest newbuild


August 7, 2023 – Am December 3, 2023, the Celebrity Ascent departs Fort Lauderdale, Florida on her maiden voyage through the Eastern Caribbean. The shipping company has just named the two godmothers and the captains.

The premium cruise ship Celebrity Ascent, the fourth ship in the Edge class, is equipped for a maximum of 3.260 guests. The 327 meter long new building will entice you with new culinary highlights and extended entertainment and art experiences. It's time to meet the two godmothers and the (Greek) captains. The nominations suggest that the ship is firmly in family hands.

Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity Ascent - Photo © Celebrity Cruises


The christening ceremony will take place on December 1, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale. Godmothers are the siblings Captain Sandy Yawn and her sister Michelle Dunham. Captain Sandy Yawn is an American reality television personality. She is best known for her TV show Below Deck Mediterranean. Before her career as a TV star, she captained superyachts. She is also a best-selling author and motivational speaker. Her sister, Michelle Dunham, is co-creator with her Husband Mark co-founded the Jacksonville School for Autism (JSA). Parents of a son with autism, they founded a not-for-profit, full-service school for students and young adults in 2005. The school now has more than 100 students.

Captain Sandy Yawn


Captain Sandy Yawn


Michelle Dunham


Michelle Dunham 


Godmothers Celebrity Ascent - Photos © Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises was originally founded by Greek cruise line Chandris (Hellas) Inc. before it was acquired by Royal Caribbean Group. The white "X" on the funnel still reminds us of the Chandris shipping company. Many Celebrity Cruises captains are of Greek nationality.

Celebrity Ascent - Captains Tasos (left) and Dimitrios KafetzisCelebrity Ascent - Captains Tasos (left) and Dimitrios Kafetzis - Photo © Celebrity Cruises


Celebrity Cruises pays homage to this tradition by placing brothers Dimitrios and Tasos Kafetzis at the helm of Celebrity Ascent. So far, this is unique in the history of the cruise industry.

Booking options for Celebrity Cruises

MSC Meraviglia offers at logitravel
Celebrity Cruises offers at sea travel service