The last time we were on a Celebrity ship — the Eclipse — on a cold and windy day somewhere in the Atlantic, we witnessed the amazing artists from the Corning Museum of Glass at work.
The next time we'll be on a Celebrity ship — the Reflection — we will again see the Hot Glass Show, but this time it will be quite a different story…and not just because it's unlikely to be cold and windy.
One of the glassblowers is one of the Reflection's Godmothers.
Her name is Megan Mathie. She is one of four Godmothers of the Reflection, as Celebrity made an unprecedented break with tradition. Yes, the Norwegian Breakaway will have a whole cast of Rockettes as Godmothers come next spring, but Celebrity's decision is much more touching.
When the ship is christened in Miami at the beginning of December, the Godmothers who preside over the ceremony will all have a connection to breast cancer. In Megan's case, she was selected as one of them because of the part she has played in breast cancer 
awareness. In Megan's case, it's almost as close to home as you can get.
Both her sister and her mother were both diagnosed with the dreaded disease earlier this year. After a short leave, she was persuaded by them to return to cruising and her work, which changed direction. She became a promoter of breast cancer awareness, and now she auctions a one-of-a-kind "pink glass" at the end of each of her cruises. The proceeds go to the fight to eradicate the disease.
The other three Celebrity employees chosen as Godmothers — spa manager Jovanka Goronjic, community relations manager Helen O'Connell and special events team manager Rosey Rodriguez — all have been touched in some way by the disease. Their identities were announced earlier this month, annually designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Said Celebrity President and CEO Michael Bayley: “These impressive women personify the qualities we admire among our Solstice Class Godmothers: remarkable strength and courage, along with optimism, warmth and genuine care for others.”
As one of the four glassblowers who entertained us on the Eclipse, Megan has since worked on the Solstice, so she'll have been on three of the five ships in what is arguably cruising's most beloved groups of ships. Having Godmothers who crusade for a cause like this will just make the Reflection the perfect way to complete the class.
With class.
Holland America Oosterdam
11 nights
January 26, 2013
Sydney (return): Ile des Pins, Port-Vila, Vanuatu, Lifou, Noumea
Inside: $999
Cost per day: $90
www.hollandamerica.com