Seven Seas Splendor has been christened in Miami in a star-studded ceremony which included godmother and supermodel Christie Brinkley.

Luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas invited special guests, including travel partners, local community leaders, media and luxury travellers, to the exclusive black-tie evening ceremony on board Seven Seas Splendor to celebrate the all-suite, all-balcony cruise ship.

In addition, more than 35,000 people watched the ceremony broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube.

“Seven Seas Splendor is the epitome of luxury perfected,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

“Every ship we launch gets even better, and Seven Seas Splendor is magnificent. The collaboration between the designers, engineers, craftsmen, hotel and restaurant teams, and the crew on board, all bring the renowned Regent experience to life on this beautiful ship.

“Seven Seas Splendor is a celebration of excellence, friendship, success and luxury.”

The luxury ship is helmed by 30-year veteran Captain Serena Melani, the first woman to captain a newly built ocean cruise ship.

In acknowledging this honour during her remarks, Captain Melani told the audience that women can achieve any goal with perseverance and hard work, and that the ship’s 550 crew members deserve recognition for delivering the highest levels of personalised service and comfort to passengers.

Godmother Christie Brinkley then delivered the traditional maritime blessing to christen the vessel, before pressing a button which sent a 15-litre Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut champagne smashing against the ship’s hull – symbolically welcome the newest member of the Regent Seven Seas’ fleet.

“Gorgeous is the word I use to describe Seven Seas Splendor,” Brinkley said. “All the details on this ship are amazing, from the artistic style of the Italian marble, the artwork and chandeliers, to the sculpture of the mythical dragon outside Pacific Rim.

“Every inch of this light and bright ship is filled with luxurious details. My parents had cruised on Regent ships. If they were here today, they would be so excited and proud for me to be godmother to Seven Seas Splendor.”

To conclude the celebrations, guests were treated to a concert by four-time Grammy-award winning British singer-songwriter, Seal.