Diva Diana Ross may be 81-years-old, but she’s not slowing down.
The former Supreme is going out on a European tour this summer, taking her entire family along for the ride. That includes her five children and eight grandchildren!
But when the 12-stop tour wraps July 16 in Athens, Greece, the adventures for the Motown legend and her family aren’t over.
That’s because Ross has been named the official “Godmother” of Royal Caribbean’s “Star of the Seas,” which sets sail in August.
The iconic singer told People, “I’ve always felt a deep connection to the ocean and the magic it represents—peace, adventure, and awe. When Royal Caribbean reached out to invite me to be the godmother of Star of the Seas, I knew it was something truly special.”
What It Means to be ‘Godmother’ of a Cruise Ship
In a press release, Royal Caribbean explains, “As godmother, Ms. Ross will join a longstanding maritime tradition of bestowing safekeeping onto the ship, its crew and the millions who will make memories on the ultimate family vacation for years to come. To celebrate the unveiling of Star, Ms. Ross will take part in an iconic naming ceremony in the ship’s AquaTheater, located in the transformational AquaDome neighborhood surrounded by wraparound ocean views.”
The massive cruise ship features a waterpark, seven swimming pools, live entertainment – including “Back to the Future: The Musical” – and more than 40 venues for dining and drinking.
Ross told People that her entire family has been invited along on the inaugural cruise, saying, “That’s really what this ship is all about, joy and family fun.”
The singer says there’s nothing more important to her than spending time with family. “I just want to be in their presence. I want them to see me, and I want to be able to see them. If I’m needed, for sure I will babysit. Being with my grandkids means everything to me. If spoiling them means loving them – Yes! I do that, I do a lot of that.”
Diana Ross Is Still Touring at 81
Continuing to perform is important to Diana Ross. She told People, “I am very passionate about performing live. I love looking out at the audience and seeing faces and singing directly to them. My daughter Rhonda will accompany me on stage to sing the song that she wrote for me called “Count on Me.”
Ross’ summer tour will take her throughout the U.K. and to a few spots in Europe.
Tour dates are as follows:
June 22 – BP Pulse Live- Birmingham, England
June 23- Motorpoint Arena- Nottingham, England
June 25- Ovo Hydro- Glasgow, Scotland
June 26- Co-Op Live- Manchester, England
June 28- First Direct Arena- Leeds, England
June 30- M&S Bank Arena- Liverpool, England
July 2- The O2- London, England
July 6- Accord Arena- Paris, France
July 9- Henley Festival, Henley-on-Thames, U.K.
July 11- Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreaux, Switzerland
July 13- NN North Sea Jazz Festival- Rotterdam, Netherlands
July 16- Panathenaic Stadium- Athens, Greece
How Diana Ross Stays Tour Ready
Diana Ross says she has a few strategies for staying performance-ready. “I steam my throat, I drink hot tea with honey. I have a few breathing exercises,” she told People. “I’ve been very lucky not to have any vocal difficulties. Keep my fingers crossed always. I love what I do so I try not to hold any unnecessary stress. I meditate in the mornings, and I pray at night.“
The singer also holds firm to a positive attitude. “The love of what I do keeps me grounded, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. When you can’t find the sunshine be the sunshine. My most current album is called, Thank You and all the songs came from my heart in a positive place. I have been very blessed in my life. I love what I do, I love my family, I love my life. I’m a happy person,” said Ross.
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Diana Ross Cruises Into Summer