Anthem of the Seas will sail its inaugural season from Southampton before the ship repositions to its permanent homeport of Cape Liberty, New Jersey, in November.
Royal Caribbean International chose the talented travel agent in a UK contest.
'The judging was very difficult. We thank all travel agents, who we value and are honoring by naming a fellow travel agent as the godmother of our newest ship,' said Richard Fain, chairman and ceo of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
In addition to being a travel agent for Thomson, Wilby is a military wife and budding singer who performs in the Military Wives Choir in Kinloss, Scotland, where she is based with her husband, a royal engineer for the British army. To help her prepare for inaugural day, Craig Yates, team captain from British choir group Only Boys Aloud will be Wilby’s vocal coach, and Royal Caribbean is treating her to a makeover.
'Emma’s inaugural song will herald a ship that will be a new anthem for the cruise industry,' said Michael Bayley, president and ceo of RCI. 'I am very much looking forward to Emma’s performance and launching Anthem of the Seas with her. I know she will be simply spectacular.'
'I am really honored to have been chosen,' Wilby said, adding: 'It will be incredible to sing in front of all these people and a real honor to give the ship the best sendoff possible.'
