Shaq’s mom named as godmother to new ship
Lucille O’Neal, author, philanthropist and mother of Carnival Cruise Line’s Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal, has been named godmother of the transformed Carnival Radiance, set to debut in December following a $200 million dry dock.
Lucille will preside over the ship’s naming ceremony taking place in Long Beach, California, prior to its inaugural cruise Dec. 13.
During the festivities, Lucille and Shaquille will cut the ribbon to officially open Big Chicken, the second seagoing restaurant created by the former basketball great.
Shaq’s mom 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.
She also established the
Odessa Chambliss Center for Health Equity on the campus of Bethune Cookman University in honor of her late mother, Odessa Chambliss, and focuses on health disparities, social determinants of health and social justice.
Lucille resumed her studies after raising her children to graduate cum laude with a bachelor’s degree from BCU and the completion of 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 honor.”