The world's third-largest cruise ship set off on its maiden voyage on Wednesday, and ahead of the Anthem of the Seas' first journey, its launch was celebrated by the likes of Lauren Pope and Jeff Brazier. The Only Way is Essex alumni Lauren was on hand to DJ at the glittering event, taking to Twitter to share her photos and excitement. The world's most technologically advanced ship, which boasts a sky diving simulator, aerial observatory, 18 restaurants including Jamie's Italian, a casino, theatres and SeaPlex centre with dodgems and disco floor, docked in Southampton for a spectacular naming ceremony.
Lauren Pope and Jeff Brazier celebrated the launch of new Royal Caribbean cruise liner
The Royal Caribbean's new ship is set to make waves: it also boasts 2,090 staterooms and mega-suites across a staggering 18 decks, and has the feel of a five-star hotel.
TV presenter Jeff, his girlfriend Kate, and young sons Bobby and Freddy (from his relationship with the late Jade Goody) were among 1,300 guests attending the weekend celebrations. The boys showed off their dance moves during Lauren's DJ set in the SeaPlex centre during which the reality star spun the decks while suspended from a crane-operated pod.
The Anthem of the Seas is the world's most technologically advanced ship
In a break from tradition, 27-year-old travel agent Emma Wilby was selected as the ship's 'Godmother' after a nationwide competition. Emma, who had never sung in front of a large audience before, took to the stage in the ship's Royal Theatre to sing Katy Perry's song Firework with the help of Britain's Got Talent finalists, Welsh choir Only Boys Aloud.Guests later cheered as the budding singer and member of the Military Wives Choir in Kinloss, Scotland, hit the button to send a huge bottle of champagne smashing against the ship’s name to christen it.
The new cruise liner boasts a sky diving simulator
"I am hugely excited to be taking on this role," said Sunderland-born Emma, who is based with her Royal Engineer husband in Kinloss. "I know the role is about far more than singing at the launch. It's also about being an ambassador for the brand. I'm really honoured to have been chosen. "The ceremony also included a procession by the Reading Scottish Pipe Band, a religious blessing of the ship, and the national anthems of Britain and the USA.Guests partied into the early hours before the ship took to the seas for a mini-voyage, which included a 95-minute performance of We Will Rock You.Anthem of the Seas will begin its maiden voyage to France and Spain on 22 April, and will be based in Southamption before departing for New York and her new homeport in New Jersey, this summer.