Academy Award-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden will name the Carnival Dream in New York City on Nov. 12.
Carnival said Harden would serve as godmother to the Carnival Dream and unveil Carnival’s Big Book of Dreams in New York’s Rockefeller Center on Friday.
Carnival describes the Big Book of Dreams as the world’s largest children’s book. It is 15.5 feet high and 20 feet wide and inspired by the dreams of children who have sailed with Carnival, said the line. Harden will read the book to dozens of schoolchildren.
Harden, who lives in New York and is a mother of three, will also introduce a multiyear partnership between Carnival and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Carnival will attempt to raise $3 million for the hospital through interactive fundraising activities that will involve guest participation during cruises.
Carnival will also donate hundreds of kid-sized copies of its book to the hospital.
"As a mother and actress driven by the idea of dreaming big, I’m honored to take on this new role as godmother of Carnival’s largest-ever ship and to help bring the Big Book of Dreams to life for local children," said Harden in a statement.
"I’m also inspired by Carnival’s dedication to support and encourage all kids to dream big through its partnership with St. Jude."