by senior contributor Brendan Kownacki
If you’re looking for a taste of the luxury-life on the high seas there is one more option to get you there these days: Entertainment Cruises announced the launch of The National Elite, National Harbor’s only private charter yacht. (Karmen Walker Brown christening National Elite with Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown & Linda Circo shown above)
It has been tradition for years for a woman to launch a ship with a christening fluid – originally the tradition was wine – but others including whiskey and cider have been used as circumstances required it. Champagne has always been a popular choice, perhaps for the explosion of bubbles that will splash the side of the ship as the bottle shatters.
Take Nancy Reagan for instance, christening the USS Ronald Reagan:
Or Caroline Kennedy christening the USS John F. Kennedy:
In a ceremony earlier this week, Maryland’s Second Lady, Karmen Walker Brown, was named the ships’ Godmother and officially christened the ship ceremony with her husband, Maryland Lieutenant Governor Anthony G. Brown by her side.
VIPs from National Harbor as well as Entertainment Cruises flanked the dock to send the ship off on its first official voyage.
The new addition to the fleet shines on the water and features four outdoor decks, including a rooftop deck to enjoy as is cruises in the waterways around the DC area.