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2d ago

Astronaut Kellie Gerardi Christens Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas After Replacing Diana Ross

The spaceflyer says she learned she was five weeks pregnant the day she accepted the godmother role.

Royal Caribbean Group president and CEO Jason Liberty, left, stands with Star of the Seas godmother Kellie Gerardi, Royal Caribbean International president and CEO Michael Bayley and Capt. Rob Hempstead during the naming ceremony for Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 20. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
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Overview

  • Gerardi led the Aug. 20 naming ceremony in the ship’s AquaTheater, placing a star to officially name the vessel as a champagne bottle broke on the hull.
  • Royal Caribbean tapped Gerardi earlier this month after Diana Ross withdrew due to unforeseen circumstances, with CEO Michael Bayley delivering the offer by FaceTime.
  • The 36-year-old flew a sub-orbital mission with Virgin Galactic in 2023 and has built a public profile by documenting motherhood, IVF and pregnancy loss.
  • She told outlets she is about five weeks pregnant following an IVF cycle and has chosen to share the news in real time to spotlight the realities of fertility treatment.
  • Gerardi said her next spaceflight is scheduled no earlier than the end of 2026, a timeline she described as allowing room to expand her family, as Royal Caribbean praises her as an inspirational fit for its family-focused Icon-class ship.