In this episode, cruise to the Bahamas with Native Bahamian Erin Bionic Brown, the Godmother of Royal Caribbean’s new innovative ship Odyssey of the Seas. She’s an inspiration and a hero. You’ll love this adventure!
For more family vacation ideas, check out all the podcast episodes. Adventure Awaits!
Tell Us About Yourself
I’m a limb difference individual, also known as an above-the-knee amputee. I’m a cancer survivor of 17 years. I’m a paratriathlete. I’m a disability inclusion consultant. I’m a mom, a proud Bahamian, and a solar-powered Island Gal, anything sun and sea, and I am ready and willing to explore. AND I’m the Godmother of Royal Caribbean’s new Odyssey of the Seas.
You’re the Godmother of Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas?!
Yes! Being the Godmother of a ship is a great and long-standing maritime tradition given to a small percentage of women around the world when ships are launched. And it’s a lifetime honor. Odyssey of the Seas’ Official Naming Ceremony and Inaugural Sailing were November 2021.
When Royal Caribbean called to ask me to be the Godmother, I thought I was being punked. They explained the honor to me, and I realized it was real. I said YES!
I’m the first Bahamian to have this honor, the first black woman with a disability to have this honor, and the first paratriathlete to have this honor.
It was also my and my family’s Inaugural sailing, and such an honor to be together for the ceremony and sailing.
Tell Us About Your Godship
One of the best experiences we had with my older son was going to the theater to see Matilda the Musical. The shows in London are just incredible. We went out to lunch before and went to a matinee in one of the old theaters. He was on the edge of his seat the whole show and had so much fun.
There are so many great features and so many layers to explore. People aren’t going to know what to do with themselves on board.
The North Star is the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship in the world! It’s an observation capsule that raises you over 300 feet above sea level so you can soak up breathtaking 360-degree views.
There’s RipCord by iFLY, Sky Pad bungee trampoline, the FlowRider surf simulator, and the SeaPlex interactive arcade complete with bumper cars. The experiences are priceless.
The ship is so family-oriented. The staff is just so wonderful. You feel part of the family.
We felt so safe on board as everyone had to test negative to board and be vaccinated. Protocols are taken very seriously.
We cruised to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s island in the Bahamas, which has SO much to do, including the tallest waterslide in North America and helium balloon ride. My daughter even found gold and silver with Captain Jack.
As I use a wheelchair and the one thing I love about Royal is they are very accessible, from onboard accessibility to the wheelchairs on CocoCay.
Know when you step on the ship, you are also experiencing her Godmother, who is wishing you well, excitement, and a perfect day and time.
What makes the Bahamas such a fantastic family destination?
In my opinion, the Bahamas is one of the world’s wonders. We are 700 Islands and keys all about sun, sand, and sea.
I’m a native of Grand Bahama, the island closest to Florida. I now live in New Providence, the most populous island in the Bahamas and home of Nassau, the capital city.
You get our sun, sand, sea, and the PEOPLE when you visit! You get our love, cultural joy, the way we cook food and eat.
Each island offers different and unique experiences with the most aqua blue waters, colorful architecture, pink sand beaches, the pigs and flamingos, the Pineapple Farm on Eleuthra, and Blue Lagoon Island.
We are open to everyone. When you come, you leave knowing you are part of the family!
Why do you travel with your kids?
I’m adventurous for my kids. I remember growing up and going on vacations with my parents. Traveling is a beautiful thing. When I was very small, I had a passport to take our adventures. My parents raised me to go and explore. And I want to give that to my children.
Next trip you’re planning or dreaming about?
Paris is my next big trip. We plan on taking a contingency from the Bahamas to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics.
And I’m definitely planning a nice long Odyssey of the Seas cruise family vacation in 2022.
And when you book your ticket on Royal Caribbean to the Bahamas, tell them Odyssey of the Seas’ Godmother sent you.
See you when you reach!
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Thank you for joining us, Erin, and for being such an inspiration!
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Learn more about Erin Bionic Brown on her website and you can follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
For more family vacation inspiration, tune in to all the podcast episodes. Adventure Awaits!