Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that one of music’s most iconic performers, Reba McEntire, will christen the company’s the Norwegian Epic, the hottest new ship of the year. The christening ceremony will take place in New York on July 2 on board Norwegian Epic.

McEntire, who recently hosted the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, has achieved legendary status in the music world having sold over 55 million albums worldwide; earned 34 #1 singles and won 15 American Music Awards, 12 Academy of Country Music Awards, nine People’s Choice Awards, seven Country Music Association Awards and two GRAMMY Awards. She is also an avid cruiser and has taken several family cruise vacations, most recently on Norwegian Gem in the Mediterranean.

Norwegian Epic is an innovator in cruise ship entertainment, featuring world-class entertainment on board such as Blue Man Group, Cirque Dreams & Dinner, Legends in Concert, The Second City, Howl at the Moon and Nickelodeon at Sea. In keeping with its focus on exceptional entertainment, the line decided it was only fitting that an entertainer – particularly one as celebrated as Reba McEntire – christens the ship.

“I met Reba and her family on Norwegian Gem and saw how much they were enjoying the freedom and flexibility that Freestyle Cruising offers. Later, I discovered that they are frequent customers on our ships which is why I believe that Reba is the perfect choice to christen our largest and most innovative ship, Norwegian Epic,” said Kevin Sheehan, chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We are more than thrilled that such a celebrated performer as Reba, who also has experienced our product firsthand, will serve as Norwegian Epic’s Godmother.”

Inaugural festivities for Norwegian Epic will take place in New York at 2 p.m. ET on July 2. In addition, Norwegian Epic will serve as the host venue for the 34th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks event taking place on Sunday, July 4. That event includes a one-hour nationally-televised broadcast on NBC-TV beginning at 9 p.m. ET.

For more information on Norwegian Epic and to book a cruise, call Norwegian at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), visit http://epic.ncl.com, or contact a travel professional.