Oceania Cruises' 1,250-passenger Riviera was christened in Barcelona on May 11, with some 500 U.S. and international travel agents attending the pierside gala.
Celebrity chef Cat Cora served as godmother.
"I'm the mother of four boys," she said, "so now I finally have a girl ... and what a beauty she is."
Oceania President Kunal Kamlani addressed the agents in the audience along with investors and other VIPs, saying that the ship "is a work of art."
"Riviera is designed to bring the beauty of the world to our guests, and we are thrilled to unveil Riviera to the world," said Kamlani.
"This is more than a celebration of the perfect ship," he added. "It's a celebration of people — the agents who support us and have made this possible. Without you, Riviera would not exist."
Frank Del Rio, CEO of Oceania parent Prestige Cruise Holdings, said that Barcelona was the perfect destination to launch the Riviera.
"Our first ship, Regatta, was launched here nearly 10 years ago. It heralded a new style of cruising," said Del Rio, noting that the line next year will mark its 10th anniversary.
He singled out travel agents for praise. "You've been with us the whole way," he said.
Following the christening ceremony, the ship departed for Venice, where its 10-day inaugural voyage to Athens begins May 16.
Through Nov. 29, the Riviera will operate in the Mediterranean before repositioning to Miami for a series of Caribbean cruises next winter.
Follow Donna Tunney on Twitter @dttravelweekly.