The Malta Independent on Sunday
Singer and actress Elaine Paige to christen new ‘Seabourn Ovation’ in Malta
One of the world's best-loved and most highly awarded actresses and singers, Elaine Paige, will serve as godmother to Seabourn's elegant new allsuite ship, Seabourn Ovation.
The naming ceremony will take place Friday, May 11, in the beautiful baroque harbour of Valletta during a spectacular ceremony that will light up the dramatic UNESCO World Heritage site and the 2018 European Capital of Culture.
Seabourn enjoys a multi-year partnership with UNESCO to support their efforts to protect World Heritage at sites around the world.
"I am so honoured to have been asked to be Godmother to Seabourn Ovation," said Elaine Paige. "Seabourn's legendary service has the same DNA as a hit West End show: a dedicated cast of professionals who all come together to deliver a superb performance, whatever their role. I can't wait to board the beautiful Seabourn Ovation and send her off into the world!"
Elaine Paige's biography reads like a "who's who" of the stage musical. She originated the role of Eva Peron in Evita, followed by Grizabella in Cats and Florence in Chess. She has starred in more smash hit West End and Broadway musicals than anyone else of her generation - from Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Anything Goes, Sunset Boulevard, to The King & I; Sweeney Todd and Follies - and many more.
With an impressive and glittering roster of accolades, Elaine bears the unofficial title of "The First Lady of British Musical Theatre." She has defined musicals and has simply set the gold standard. In 1995, she was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for services to Musical Theatre by HM Queen Elizabeth II.
Seabourn Ovation is the fifth ultra-luxury ship in the Seabourn fleet. With stunning contemporary interiors by design icon Adam D. Tihany, culinary expertise by Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller, specially commissioned entertainment by Sir Tim Rice and an exciting program of onboard speakers, Ovation will sail on a variety of voyages in and around Europe between May and November 2018, hailing at ports throughout Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.
Seabourn Ovation will expand and build on the line's awardwinning and highly acclaimed Odyssey-class ships, which revolutionized ultra-luxury cruising with enhanced accommodations and innovative amenities when they were introduced between 2009 and 2011. A sister ship to Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation will maintain the line's high ratio of space per guest, enabling highly personalized service. For more details about the awardwinning Seabourn fleet, or to explore the worldwide selection of Seabourn cruising options, contact the local sales agents The Cruise & Travel Group on 21222-999 or http://www.cruiseandtravel.eu/seabourn.html