The Grammy award-winning singer and Oscar-nominated actress will christen the vessel on May 23 in New York and take part in a special “Lip Sync Battle: Horizon” showcase replicating the music-themed TV show.

The event will also recognise Carnival charitable partner St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee with a donation of funds raised through various onboard and shore-side Carnival activities made.

Carnival will also unveil a special artwork created by more than 30 St. Jude patients that will appear on Horizon’s Dreamscape, a three-deck-high LED sculpture in the ship’s atrium.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said: “With her fun-loving spirit and positive, can-do attitude, Queen Latifah embodies our brand and knows how to ‘Choose Fun’ in everything she does.”

“Knowing that she is a long-time supporter of St. Jude and has performed and won Lip Sync Battle made her the ideal candidate to serve as godmother to our newest ship,” she added.

Latifah added: “Carnival is an iconic American brand and it’s an honour to be named godmother of Carnival Horizon and take part in the event on May 23, honouring the special children of St. Jude, a cause that is very near and dear to my heart.”