Margaritaville at Sea has tapped pro football player Shaquem Griffin to serve as godfather of its flagship vessel, the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise.
Griffin, a linebacker, made the Seattle Seahawks roster in 2018 despite having no left hand. He was diagnosed with amniotic band syndrome at birth, and the condition led to the amputation of Griffin's left hand at age 4. Griffin is a free agent heading into the 2022 season.
Griffin will participate in the ship's christening ceremony, which will be held at the Port of Palm Beach in Florida on May 12, ahead of the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise's VIP inaugural sailing.
The ship's first sailing from Palm Beach to Grand Bahama Island is scheduled to depart on May 14.
Throughout his football career, Griffin has been an advocate for the physically challenged as well as young athletes, co-founding the St. Petersburg Nitro Track Club, a nonprofit focused on youth sports, with twin brother Shaquill Griffin, who is also an NFL player.
Margaritaville at Sea has pledged a donation to the organization as part of the brand's relationship with Griffin.
In 2019, Griffin was named the winner of the NFL Game Changer Award. He was also the recipient of the 2019 NCAA Inspiration Award. Griffin played college football at the University of Central Florida.
"As a passionate philanthropist, Shaquem's efforts within our local community align with our own commitment to giving back, and he is a true inspiration on every front," said Oneil Khosa, Margaritaville at Sea CEO. "We are honored to have him serve in this very special role as our first-ever godfather."
A rebranding of the former Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, Margaritaville at Sea is the latest concept to join Margaritaville's growing travel and hospitality empire.
The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise will make its debut with 658 cabins, multiple dining venues, pools, entertainment programming, retail outlets, a St. Somewhere Spa and a Fins Up! Fitness Center, among other amenities.
