Drew Barrymore recently stepped into a new role as the godmother of MSC Cruises’ World America, a title that came with a steep learning curve and a lot of fun. The 50-year-old actress admitted she was initially unsure about what a cruise godmother actually did, but after doing her homework she embraced the position with enthusiasm. The ship’s 2026 “Let’s Holiday” marketing push features Barrymore alongside fellow ambassador Orlando Bloom, highlighting the joy of holiday travel.
At a Glance
- Drew Barrymore named godmother of MSC Cruises’ World America.
- The role involves learning cruise traditions and promoting the 2026 “Let’s Holiday” campaign.
- Barrymore shares personal touches on her cabin door, including a Greek restaurant napkin and candy.
- The campaign spot showcases Barrymore and Orlando Bloom singing playful renditions of Madonna’s “Holiday.”
MSC Cruises and the World America
MSC Cruises launched the World America in 2019 as part of its new flagship line. The ship is 1,000 meters long, hosts over 5,000 passengers, and offers a mix of luxury and entertainment. Its design emphasizes spacious staterooms, a Greek-inspired restaurant, and a modern promenade that encourages guests to personalize their experience. The ship also boasts a large theater, a rooftop garden, multiple themed bars, and 1,200 staterooms that range from interior suites to ocean-view cabins.
The Role of a Godmother
Being a godmother on a cruise ship is more than a ceremonial title. It involves:
- Representing the cruise line at public events and on-board celebrations.
- Engaging with passengers to share stories and create memorable moments.
- Acting as a brand ambassador in promotional materials and social media.
- Supporting crew morale by participating in daily activities and charity events.
Barrymore explained that the role is about connection, not just appearances.
Learning the Role
Barrymore said, “I didn’t understand the godmother culture,” when first approached. She described her initial apprehensiveness and how she felt humbled. After studying how the role works, she turned her mindset: “Once I started studying how it all works, I was like, ‘Oh, well, if it’s gonna have a godmother, I want it to be me.'” She was thrilled to finally accept the role and felt it was a natural fit for her public persona.
The Door Tradition
The door tradition is a beloved practice on MSC ships. Guests decorate the exterior of their stateroom doors to make them easier to find and to add a festive vibe. Barrymore explained, “Here’s something I didn’t know. The doors! Everybody decorates their doors!” The decorations can include magnets shaped like dolphins, birthday cards, anniversary notes, and personal storytelling. Many passengers bring souvenirs from their travels, turning each door into a miniature gallery of memories.
Barrymore’s Personal Touch
Barrymore’s door is a collage of keepsakes from her time on board. She mentioned, “I would take the Greek restaurant napkin, or my newspaper I read that day, and candy – I got a bag of gummy Coke bottles from the candy store.” She emphasized that the culture of telling your story on the door is something she truly enjoyed. The collection reflects her love of food, reading, and playful nostalgia, and she said it made the cabin feel like a personal museum.
The 2026 “Let’s Holiday” Campaign
The campaign encourages guests to focus on the joy of going on holiday, rather than merely taking a vacation. Barrymore offered her own unique renditions of the campaign’s primary song, Madonna’s “Holiday.” She said, “I spent a couple hours singing weird songs I made up to the tune of ‘Holiday,'” adding, “Sushi at the bar, decorating my doors.” The commercials feature Barrymore and Bloom singing playful, a cappella arrangements that showcase their chemistry and the carefree spirit of the cruise line.
Collaboration with Orlando Bloom
Barrymore praised Bloom’s sense of humor, saying, “I appreciate that he laughs a lot, like, with me and at me.” She described goofing off during filming and how Bloom’s reactions made the experience enjoyable. The duo’s chemistry is highlighted in the campaign, showcasing a light-hearted partnership that feels authentic to viewers. Bloom’s playful banter about sea shanties and the ship’s Wi-Fi also appeared in the footage.
Behind the Scenes
During filming, Barrymore sang playful versions of “Holiday,” which brought smiles to both stars. She reflected, “I feel like I was making Orlando laugh and it made me really happy because I could go for it, like nobody’s watching.” The behind-the-scenes moments captured the relaxed atmosphere and the joy of creating a memorable holiday message. The crew noted that the spontaneous laughter helped keep the energy high throughout the shoot, and the director praised the chemistry between the two ambassadors.
A Day on Board During Filming
The shoot began early in the morning with a briefing from the MSC marketing team. Barrymore and Bloom spent the morning exploring the ship’s atrium, rehearsing lines, and testing microphones. Lunch was a themed buffet featuring Mediterranean dishes that inspired Barrymore’s door décor. In the afternoon, the crew filmed a series of short scenes in the Greek restaurant and the rooftop garden, while the crew captured candid moments of the ambassadors interacting with passengers. The day ended with a sunset walk on the promenade, where Barrymore shared her thoughts on the experience.
Takeaways
- Barrymore’s journey shows that embracing new traditions can lead to authentic brand storytelling.
- The “Let’s Holiday” campaign underscores the importance of personal connection and fun in travel marketing.
- The door-decorating tradition highlights how small personal touches can create memorable on-board experiences.
- Collaboration between ambassadors can enhance a brand’s relatability and appeal.
