Malala Yousafzai announced as Celebrity Edge godmother

Today the line announced a two-year partnership with Malala Fund, whose mission is to secure 12 years of safe, free quality education for every girl.

The 19-year old is a Nobel Laureate and UN Messenger of Peace.

Celebrity said it was inspired by Yousafzai’s “mission and advances in furthering girls’ education”.

Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and chief exexutive of Celebrity Cruises, said: "Partnering with the Malala Fund was a natural fit as we share the same passion and commitment to an incredible cause.

“We believe in opportunities for all, especially as our crew on-board represent more than 50 different cultures and amazing stories of achievement, education and economic advancement."

Richard Fain, chairman and chief executive of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, added: “Malala is an inspiration and a voice of hope.

“This young woman is on a powerful mission, and we support it 100%.

“We are deeply honoured to name Malala the godmother of Celebrity Edge, and we’re excited to team up with her and the Malala Fund to champion the global right to education.”

Fain added: “the Malala Fund also advances one of our company’s key philosophies: that education is a great equaliser, providing opportunities to people who need it most.”

Philippa Lei, Malala Fund interim chief executive, added: “We cannot get 130 million out-of-school girls into classrooms on our own.

“We are grateful to generous partners like Celebrity Cruises who support our work to help every girl learn and lead without fear.

Malala began her life as an activist at 11-years-old, writing a secret blog about life under the Taliban, who would not permit girls to go to school.

She was targeted for her advocacy and, at 15, was shot on her school bus. Malala survived the attack and continued her campaign for girls’ education around the world.

In 2014, Malala became the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize recipient, donating her entire prize earnings to finance a secondary school for girls in Pakistan.

With Malala Fund, she continues to fight for every girl’s right to education.

Celebrity Cruises unveiled key aspects of the new Edge class ship at the first in a series of “reveal” events in March.

The new vessel – the first of a potential five ships in the class – will sail for the first time in December 2018. Celebrity Beyond will launch in 2020, followed by further new ships in 2021 and 2022.

There will be 1,467 staterooms, double occupancy of 2918; 918 will be Edge Staterooms with Infinite Verandas while 176 will be suites.

To donate to the Malala Fund visit malala.org/donate/celebritycruises.