Voyages of Discovery today announced the appointment of Miranda Krestovnikoff, the high profile British television presenter specialising in natural history, marine conservation, archaeology and wildlife, to serve as Godmother to mv Voyager – the 540 passenger ship which is joining the Voyages of Discovery fleet next month.

Krestovnikoff will name the ship in its homeport of Portsmouth during a formal naming ceremony on 4 December 2012. VIP guests, key staff, travel agents and media have been invited to attend a ceremony led by Revered Philip Hiscock, Chaplain to the Port of Portsmouth.

Voyages of Discovery selected Krestovnikoff to serve in the revered role of Godmother in recognition of her passion for discovery and her noticeable fit with the destination-led cruise offering that the brand is famous for.

Krestovnikoff began her career as a runner for various history and wildlife TV programmes. Quickly moving up to researcher, her presenting big break came in 1998 allowing her to travel and present conservation stories from around the globe. From this, she moved onto presenting projects as diverse as local history and marine conservation and is a now a regular feature on British TV screens co-presenting various high profile wildlife and travel programmes.

Managing Director of Voyages of Discovery, Alan Murray, commented:
“Miranda Krestovnikoff embodies discovery, a love for exploring and learning about new destinations, which are all the core values of Voyages of Discovery. It was the Guest Speaker programme on topics as diverse as Oceanography, wildlife conservation and geology that really caught her attention and we are honoured that she has agreed to become Godmother.”

Krestovnikoff is currently working on her new exploration book ‘Beach’. Outside of work she can be found at home just outside of Bristol with her husband, two children and 10 chickens, planning her next adventure.

“I am hugely honoured to be asked to serve as the Godmother to this wonderful ship” said Krestovnikoff. “The small size of Voyager means that she is able to access remote, out of the way ports which is perfect for people like me who like to explore new destinations. It is extremely flattering to be recognised for my adventurous streak and I hope that through this association with Voyages of Discovery, I will encourage others to get out and discover more of the world. The event in Portsmouth next month is such an important date in a ship’s life span and I am really excited to be a part of it.”

Mv Voyager arrived at Queens Pier, Portland (Dorset) last week for a month long refurbishment ahead of its maiden voyage on 4 December 2012. Northern Ireland based international contracting company, Mivan, specialists in cruise ship refurbishment, will be completing the project which marks the final stage in a multi-million investment by Voyages of Discovery to introduce the ship to its fleet.

Key new additions to Voyager will include:
·    Scott’s Lounge – a classic piano bar serving cocktails into the evening - and new specialty restaurant the Explorer Club
·    The addition of a ‘Lookout’ lounge providing panoramic views from the front of the ship
·    A new terrace with all-weather awning added to the Veranda Restaurant to allow guests to dine al fresco style
·    Introduction of new digital media players allowing guests in all cabins to access and view a large selection of films, classical concerts and documentaries
·    New artwork added to key public spaces
·    Upgrade of all soft furnishing in public spaces
·    Complete refurbishment of the library
·    New dual purpose Bridge Club which can also be used for Guest Speaker lectures and functions onboard the ship

Formerly the Alexander von Humboldt, mv Voyager will offer a choice of 270 cabins, 87% of which are outside cabins and 30 of which have balconies, open seating dining in two restaurants, plus an intimate pre-bookable specialty restaurant, The Explorer Club. Following Voyager’s first two cruises sailing in the Caribbean, it will embark on a series of itineraries in Central and South America, heading to the Amazon in early 2013. From April 2013 the ship will be based in its homeport of Portsmouth. Prices for a 9-day Celtic Treasures cruise start from £1,099 per person. Price includes all relevant transfers, on board gratuities and service charges, meals and entertainment on board and a comprehensive programme of Guest Speakers.