Dr. Lucille O’Neal – author, philanthropist and mother of Carnival Cruise Line’s Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal – has been named Godmother of the revamped Carnival Radiance. The ship is set to debut in December following a $200 million dry dock.
Lucille will preside over the ship’s invitation-only naming ceremony which will take place in Long Beach, California, prior to the ship’s inaugural cruise on December 13.
During the festivities, Lucille and Shaquille will cut the ribbon to officially open Big Chicken, the second seagoing restaurant created by Shaquille, featuring dishes based on his family’s recipes.
Lucille is an accomplished speaker who donates her time and talent to a wide range of charitable organizations, including serving on the board of the Orlando Ovarian Center Alliance, and president and co-founder of the Mothers of Professional Basketball Players.
She also established the Odessa Chambliss Center for Health Equity on the campus of Bethune Cookman University (BCU) in honour of her late mother, Odessa Chambliss, and focuses on health disparities, social determinants of health, and social justice.
The author of the inspirational biography, “Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go,” Lucille O’Neal is a shining example of the importance of education, resuming her studies after raising her children to graduate cum laude with a bachelor’s degree from BCU and completing a graduate program from the University of Phoenix.
For these efforts, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from BCU.
“When Shaquille was named Chief Fun Officer a couple of years ago, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be named godmother of a cruise ship!” said Lucille.
“To think that my name will be forever associated with Carnival Radiance and that I’m joining other esteemed women who have served as a Carnival godmother is truly an honour.”
Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line said, “Lucille’s longstanding commitment to caring for others is a reflection of what we look for in a Godmother,”
Carnival Radiance’s Long Beach-based schedule includes three-day voyages to Ensenada and four-day sailings calling at Ensenada and Catalina Island. She joins Carnival Panorama operating week-long Mexican Riviera cruises and Carnival Miracle sailing four- and five-day Mexico voyages.
For more information, please visit Carnival.com.
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