The ship was due to be christened by technology entrepreneur and equality activist Reshma Saujani, at the end of the month in Southampton. 

However in a letter sent out to guests today, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo said “continuing with the naming ceremony in the current environment would be inconsistent with the spirit and intention of such an important and meaningful event”.

“I believe the karma and energy around the naming of a ship and its godmother are important to its future, its guests and its crew,” she said.

“We have therefore made the difficult decision to postpone our formal naming ceremony until later this year and will name Celebrity Apex when she arrives in Fort Lauderdale to begin her Caribbean season.” 

Lutoff-Perlo insisted two planned trade sailings would still be going ahead at the end of this month and said she wanted to reassure guests “of the protocols Celebrity Cruises follows for every sailing, in addition to the enhanced screening we have implemented in an abundance of caution in response to current events”.

“We continue to monitor global developments and are in constant consultation with global health authorities including the World Health Organization to abide by all protocols,” she added.

“While we find ourselves in uncharted territory, as our captains will tell you, sooner or later everyone who sails into rough seas eventually sails into calmer waters. I know we are all anxiously awaiting those calmer waters.”