Disney’s newest cruise ship has a godparent. And not just any godparent – Susan Egan, the voice of Meg from Hercules and the original Belle from Disney’s Broadway production of Beauty and the Beast.
In my opinion, a perfect pick to be the godparent of the Disney Destiny.
I had an exclusive opportunity to interview Susan at the Disney Destiny christening ceremony, and our conversation covered everything from what this honor means to her to why Meg’s story perfectly embodies the ship’s heroes and villains theme. But first, let me answer a question you might be asking: why does a ship need a godparent in the first place?
VIDEO: Susan Egan Interview: Disney Destiny’s Godparent
The Ancient Tradition of Ship Godparents
The tradition of ship godparents goes back to ancient rituals of the sea. For thousands of years, civilizations have had different ceremonies to wish good fortune and protection for new vessels setting sail.
These ceremonies started out pretty brutal. The ancient Greeks held great feasts where they made sacrifices to appease Poseidon, god of the seas. But by the 18th century, these ceremonies became much friendlier, resembling infant baptisms. These christening ceremonies included a designated godparent – typically a godmother who was a notable person, royalty, or nobility.
This christening tradition lives on to this day. Since 1998, Disney has named a godparent for all seven ships in their fleet, ranging from Tinker Bell to Mariah Carey. And now the newest godparent is Susan Egan – true Disney royalty.
Disney Cruise Line Godparents – All 7 Ships
- Disney Magic: Patricia Disney
- Disney Wonder: Tinker Bell
- Disney Dream: Jennifer Hudson
- Disney Fantasy: Mariah Carey
- Disney Wish: Make-A-Wish Children
- Disney Treasure: Disney Cast Members
- Disney Destiny: Susan Egan
The Disney Destiny Christening Ceremony
The Destiny’s christening was, in typical Disney fashion, a spectacular over-the-top production. There were drones, singers, projections. In my interview, Susan said there might be a Guinness Book record for the projections on the side of the ship itself.
Susan Egan is such a perfect choice for the Destiny’s godparent. I mentioned ancient Greek gods earlier, and Hercules has a huge presence on this ship – with a Broadway-style show, Hercules-themed staterooms, and “Go the Distance” as one of the themes that plays on the ship’s horn. The ship’s theme of heroes and villains really ties into Meg’s story and Susan’s entire career with Disney.
My Interview with Susan Egan
I had the very special opportunity to talk with Susan immediately after the Disney Destiny’s Christening. Here’s our complete conversation:
James Grosch, Guide2WDW: Could you help explain what a godparent to a ship is?
Susan Egan: Sure. It’s a wonderful position where somebody gets to be the one to bless this ship, like a child in their new life as the Disney Destiny sails on her way, carrying passengers and making dreams come true. So you get to just sprinkle a little bit of fairy dust on top.
James: We just saw the whole christening ceremony. There were drones, singers, projections – it was amazing. What was it like being part of that ceremony?
Susan Egan: Honestly, that ceremony was top notch. I can’t believe – I think there’s a Guinness Book record of the projections on the side of the ship itself. It’s a huge show and the talent in that cast was extraordinary, so to just be a small part of it was truly a real honor.
James: On a personal note, you are one of the voices of my childhood. Not just Meg, but the original cast recording of Beauty and the Beast – that CD was in heavy rotation in my household and kind of set me on the path I’ve been on ever since. For you on a personal level, what does it mean to be named godparent of a Disney Cruise Line ship after starting out playing Belle on Broadway and then playing Meg?
Susan Egan: You’re making me emotional. It really is an emotional thing. I mean, Disney has been part of my life for 32 years now. And Disney has made dream after dream come true for me. And this was something that I never even could have imagined in my wildest dreams. And yet it’s come to fruition and I just could not be more honored, more joyous. I’m really emotional. My heart is just full and I love this company and I love what they stand for and I just feel very lucky.
James: Let’s talk heroes and villains because that is the theme of the ship. Meg’s story – she’s caught in between those worlds. But you’ve also played Belle, who’s very much on the hero side, and you famously have some affection for Mother Gothel, very much on the villain side. So Susan, you personally, which side are you picking? Heroes or villains?
Susan Egan: Oh, it’s a good question. You know, Meg really struggles with that, but I think ultimately Meg makes the right decision and she goes through that transformative power of love to be on the heroic side. So I’m Team Hero.
James: Okay, good choice. Me too. I’m too much of a goody two-shoes, so I can’t break a rule, so I can’t be a villain. Even though it seems like a lot of—
Susan Egan: We can fuel our sort of villainous side every once in a while. Yeah, every once in a while.
James: Yeah, absolutely. Then also one of the signature experiences on this ship is the Hercules stage show. What are you most excited to see with that production?
Susan Egan: So I am thrilled that Hercules is having a new moment 27 years after we had the movie. I cannot wait to see this stage show. I’ve seen clips of it, I’ve heard some of the music, I’ve met some of the cast. You guys, you are in for it. This is gonna be a roller coaster ride of a show.
James: Is there anything else on the ship that you’re excited for?
Susan Egan: Well I think what caught me off guard was Café Megara. People, she’s got her own restaurant! I’m so thrilled. Can’t wait.
James: And then just one final thing that was just announced – that at Walt Disney World guests will be able to see you at the Festival of the Arts. Can you tell us a little bit about that?
Susan Egan: I am so thrilled this year. It’s my very first year being part of the Festival of the Arts with Disney on Broadway. I’m getting to perform with my dear, dear friend James Monroe Iglehart. And then at the very end of the whole festival we have four performers and we’re celebrating Beauty and the Beast because Beauty and the Beast is currently on a national tour right now, and so we’re honoring the new production of the show that started it all for Disney on Broadway.
James: Oh, that’s amazing. Susan, thank you so much for your time and congratulations.
Susan Egan: Thank you so much. It means the world. Thank you.
My thanks to Susan Egan for taking the time to talk with me and to Disney for the invite.
My First Disney Cruise Experience
As far as the ship’s blessing goes, it definitely worked. I just got home from sailing on the Destiny and it was amazing. So thank you, Susan.
I have so much more to share about my experience on board the ship, especially as my first time ever going on a Disney Cruise. If you’re a parks person who is cruise-curious but has never gone, you’re not going to want to miss these videos and articles. But if you’re a seasoned DCL expert, I’ll have plenty for you as well, including insights straight from Imagineering about what makes this ship unique.
Stay tuned for much more Disney Destiny content coming soon!
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