Marella Cruises has announced two godmothers for new ship Marella Voyager, due to launch in June.

TUI chief purser Tatyana Olkhovska and senior destination services operations manager Jacqui Nobile have more than 40 years’ combined experience in the cruise industry and “long legacies within TUI”, a statement said.

They will attend the ship’s naming ceremony in Malaga on 31 May to christen the ship.

Olkhovska first joined Marella Cruises in 2003, becoming chief purser in 2017. Marella said she has been “instrumental in the development of others” during her time with the company.

Jacqui started working for TUI in 1994 as an overseas rep in Menorca and then worked in a number of roles before becoming part of the cruise senior leadership team.

They were chosen via an internal nomination process.

Marella Cruises ‘recognising hardworking heroes’

Marella Cruises managing director Chris Hackney said: “At Marella, we love to recognise our own dedicated staff for the important role of godmother.

“We could have found a celebrity, but we believe our own hardworking heroes deserve the honour and we are so proud to have Tatyana and Jacqui as Marella Voyager’s godmothers.

“Their drive and passion is a testament to their commitment to Marella Cruises and ensuring the best possible holiday experience for our guests.

“With more than 40 years in cruising between them, it’s clear they have both dedicated a large part of their lives to Marella and both understand and believe in our mission.”

Marella Voyager’s winter 2023 programme is available now, with the Paradise Islands itinerary first setting sail in November 2023 from Barbados.