Katie Perry or JLo – take your pick of stars for new Norwegian or Virgin ships

American singer and actress Jennifer Lopez went from In Loving Colour to On the Six, and now she’s making a name for herself as Jenny from the Dock.

In a video with Virgin Group founder, Richard Branson she announced that she was collaborating with the cruise line.

She will join as Virgin Voyages’ chief entertainment and lifestyle officer. She says that she was inspired to join the brand because of its dedication to irresistible experiences and wellbeing, which align perfectly with her own values.

Ms Lopez says: “My artistic and social mission is to empower, inspire and entertain. Any opportunity that I get to combine all these attributes into a partnership and collaboration is exciting for me.”

“As an investor and advisor, she turns the godmother tradition on its head and makes it powerful and limitless. We couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead,” said Virgin Voyages CEO Tom McAlpine.

JLo isn’t alone.

Norwegian Cruise Lines has just announced pop icon and “American Idol” judge Katy Perry will serve as the godmother to its newest ship, Norwegian Prima,  which launches in August 2022.

Perry, currently performing in Las Vegas, will not only fulfil the longstanding maritime tradition of blessing and officially naming Norwegian Prima, the first of six vessels in the new class, but she will perform during the christening ceremony before Norwegian Prima sets sail on its inaugural voyages from Reykjavík, Iceland, where the vessel will be the first major cruise ship christened in the Icelandic capital.

“We are so excited to welcome Katy Perry, a one-of-a-kind artist and worldwide sensation, as godmother of Norwegian Prima,” said Harry Sommer, President and CEO of NCL. “We are so incredibly proud that she will be part of the Norwegian Cruise Line family and look forward to launching our beautiful, innovative ship with her in August.”

Launching August 2022, Norwegian Prima will offer inaugural voyages to Northern Europe from Southampton, England; Amsterdam; and Reykjavík, Iceland beginning 12 August.; Bermuda sailings from New York City beginning 6 October. ; and Caribbean itineraries from Galveston, Texas and Miami beginning 27 October.

Meanwhile JLo Beauty products will be offered onboard Virgin’s Valiant Lady and in promotion of the JLo collaboration, guests can claim $200 in onboard cruise credit, called Sailors Loot, which can be redeemed on the cruise line’s website until March 31, 2022, using the code JLoversLoot.

The cruise line has two ships in its fleet, Scarlet Lady, which was launched last year and Valiant Lady, which is due to debut on March 18, 2022 in Northern Europe and the Canary Islands.

Valiant Lady holds up to 2,770 passengers and has been dubbed the ‘anti-cruise ship’.

Paying tribute to its Virgin Records roots, Valiant Lady’s 11 March launch event featured an all-star line up of acts and DJs in the ship’s nightclub including Diplo.

Virgin Voyages teamed up with UK radio station Capital and gave away an all-inclusive one-night stay aboard the brand new vessel.

The adults only cruise line shared footage of the sprawling outdoor deck spaces where the Sun Club, VIP sundeck and private cabanas are on their Instagram account.

Virgin Group founder, Richard Branson said: “It’s exciting to be able to celebrate our continued growth as a brand that’s on a mission to voyage like no other.”

Valiant Lady is also expected to head to Australia later in the year now, with sailing dates yet to be confirmed now that the Federal government has announced the lifting of the cruise ban on April 17 2022.