Boaty McBoatface of the Seas? That's the name on this artist's drawing of a new Royal Caribbean ship that the line is releasing just in time for April Fool's Day. (Photo: Royal Caribbean) 
 
 It sounds like an April Fool's Day joke. Except it isn't. Or so they say. 
 
 Showing its playful side, cruise giant Royal Caribbean is asking the British wisecracker who famously suggested the name Boaty McBoatface for a new research vessel to help the line name one of its ships, too. 
 
 Royal Caribbean tells USA TODAY it has invited James Hand, 26, of the UK's West Midlands to sail on its newest and biggest vessel, Harmony of the Seas, when it debuts in May. In what is either guerrilla marketing at its best or a disaster in the making, he'll then meet with the line's ship naming team to brainstorm a name for a coming vessel. 
 
 “Like the rest of the world, we fell in love with the name Boaty McBoatface when we heard it, and we knew immediately that Royal Caribbean could use James Hand’s talent to name our next ship,” Royal Caribbean president and CEO Michael Bayley is quoted as saying in an announcement to be issued Friday. 
 
 Hand gained overnight fame earlier this month after submitting the ridiculous name to an otherwise sober online contest to label a $288 million Antarctic survey vessel. The ship is being built for the UK's Natural Environment Research Council. Catching the fancy of mischievous Internet users, the moniker quickly shot to the top in online voting, ahead of such history-inspired names as Shackleton and Endeavour, and the story went viral (so much so that the Council's voting site crashed). 
 
 Skip Ad Ad Loading... x Embed x Share The NERC decided to let the people decide the name of a $300 million dollar boat. The internet responded with resounding support for James Hand's suggestion, 'Boaty McBoatface'. Hand has since apologized. Keri Lumm (@thekerilumm) reports. Buzz60 
 
 So does this mean a Boaty McBoatface of the Seas or something similar is in the cards? Probably not, although Royal Caribbean showed its sense of humor by mocking up an image of one of its ships with the name splashed across its rear. Hand won't necessarily have the final say in a future ship name. 
 
 Not that Hand isn't taking the challenge seriously. 
 
 "I'm really excited Royal Caribbean has given me the opportunity to test out my boat-naming prowess on its fleet," he told USA TODAY in an email relayed through a third party, as he's no longer giving interviews. "The offer came as a massive surprise, as has all of the interest since I submitted the name Boaty McBoatface." 
 
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 Hand said he's never been on a cruise before and is looking forward to experiencing Harmony of the Seas. Scheduled to sail for the first time with paying passengers on May 22, the ship is one of five Royal Caribbean has on order, three of which have yet to be named. 
 
 "I'm flattered by the interest," said Hand, who at times has seemed a little flummoxed by the media frenzy his submission set off. "Especially as I was starting to think my ship-naming days were behind me." 
 
 In a recent tweet, Hand called the whole thing "bonkers." 
 
 I'm running out of ways to describe how utterly bonkers this whole saga has become #NameOurShippic.twitter.com/5HbC6WIFLY — James Hand (@JamesHand) March 21, 2016 
 
 This isn't the first time Royal Caribbean has turned to outsiders for help in naming a vessel. Readers from USA TODAY named Royal Caribbean's two largest ships, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, as part of a contest held at the USA TODAY Cruise Hub in 2008. 
 
 USA TODAY Cruise in 2015 was among a handful of U.S. media outlets to get early access to Royal Caribbean's last new vessel, Anthem of the Seas, ahead of its christening in Southampton, England. For our 'first look' tour of the ship, click through the carousel below. 
 
 Skip Ad Ad Loading... x Embed x Share INSIDE LOOK AT ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S QUANTUM CLASS ‘Terrified’ reporter goes flying on cruise ship’s edge | 1:23 USA TODAY Reporter Gene Sloan may get to sail the world on the newest cruise ships, but he wasn’t that thrilled about this assignment…trying out indoor skydiving perched on the edge of Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas. VPC 1 of 19 Skip Ad Ad Loading... x Embed x Share INSIDE LOOK AT ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S QUANTUM CLASS Man vs. machine: Who makes the ultimate mixed drink? | 1:44 The bionic bar on Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas is an impressive sight…but can it make a drink as well as a human bartending expert? Let’s find out! VPC 2 of 19 Skip Ad Ad Loading... x Embed x Share INSIDE LOOK AT ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S QUANTUM CLASS Sail onto the water on Anthem of the Seas in 30 seconds | 0:30 USA TODAY Travel takes you onto Royal Caribbean’s newest Quantum class ship, Anthem of the Seas. Watch the ship pull away from port in this time-lapse video. VPC 3 of 19 Skip Ad Ad Loading... x Embed x Share INSIDE LOOK AT ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S QUANTUM CLASS The luxurious suite feature you just can’t get at home | 1:44 You won’t believe all the features inside the Royal Loft Suite on Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas. But it’s what’s on the outside that will REALLY blow you away! VPC 4 of 19 Skip Ad Ad Loading... x Embed x Share INSIDE LOOK AT ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S QUANTUM CLASS Why your next vacation needs a (fairy) Godmother! | 2:32 Meet Emma Wilby, the Godmother of Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas…yes, that’s a real thing! She’s in charge of bestowing luck on the ship, a responsibility that lasts a lifetime. 5 of 19 Skip Ad Ad Loading... x Embed x Share INSIDE LOOK AT ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S QUANTUM CLASS Soar above Anthem of the Seas as it sets sail | 1:01 Take a look at Anthem of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest mega-ship, from the sky and find out about some its impressive statistics! VPC 6 of 19 Skip Ad Ad Loading... x Embed x Share INSIDE LOOK AT ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S QUANTUM CLASS Meet Anthem of the Seas 32-foot mascot | 1:05 Gigi the giraffe is stealing the show on Royal Caribbean’s newest Quantum class ship, Anthem of the Seas. The 32-foot tall mascot made quite a journey to get on board the ship! VPC 7 of 19 Skip Ad Ad Loading... x Embed x Share INSIDE LOOK AT ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S QUANTUM CLASS Quantum of the Seas sets sail for inaugural cruise | 0:33 Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Sea set sail from Southampton, Great Britain for its inaugural cruise on Friday, October 31, 2014. Watch the ship pull away from the port in this time lapse video. 8 of 19 Skip Ad Ad Loading... x Embed x Share INSIDE LOOK AT ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S QUANTUM CLASS Bionic Bar mixes perfect, precise drinks | 1:08 Cruisers aboard Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas are flocking to the Bionic Bar -- where robots perfectly mix custom drinks with precision. 9 of 19 Skip Ad Ad Loading... x Embed x Share INSIDE LOOK AT ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S QUANTUM CLASS Experience Quantum of the Seas' North Star in 60 seconds | 1:00 The North Star will lift you 300-feet above the level of the sea on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas. A ride on North Star is between 10 and 15 minutes -- but we've compressed it down to 60 seconds in this time lapse video. 10 of 19 Skip Ad Ad Loading... x Embed x Share INSIDE LOOK AT ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S QUANTUM CLASS Quantum of the Seas suites 'wow' with space, epic views | 1:54 The suites aboard Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas feature plenty of space, luxurious ammenities and epic views everywhere you look. 11 of 19 Skip Ad Ad Loading... x Embed x Share INSIDE LOOK AT ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S QUANTUM CLASS Get airborne on your next cruise | 1:02 Passengers on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas can feel as if they are skydiving while aboard the ship with RipCord by iFly. 12 of 19 Skip Ad Ad Loading... x Embed x Share INSIDE LOOK AT ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S QUANTUM CLASS Quantum of the Seas ride gives 360-degree sea view | 1:17 Royal Caribbean Cruises Chairman & CEO Richard Fain gives USA TODAY an exclusive first look at the North Star on Quantum of the Seas. The North Star lifts guests 300 feet above the sea for an epic view. 13 of 19 Skip Ad Ad Loading... x Embed x Share INSIDE LOOK AT ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S QUANTUM CLASS Quantum of the Seas' Bionic Bar mixes your drink in about a minute | 0:58 Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas features a bartender like you've probably never seen. Watch as the Bionic Bar mixes one cruiser's custom cocktail. 14 of 19 Skip Ad Ad Loading... x Embed x Share INSIDE LOOK AT ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S QUANTUM CLASS Virtual balconies bring ocean views to interior state rooms | 1:35 Interior state rooms on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas feature virtual balconies -- floor to ceiling screens that display a real time view of the outside view. 15 of 19 Skip Ad Ad Loading... x Embed x Share INSIDE LOOK AT ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S QUANTUM CLASS Quantum of the Seas' SeaPlex feature bumper cars, more | 1:18 Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas features an open, multi-use space called SeaPlex. Cruisers can enjoy bumper cars, roller skating, basketball, a nightclub and even more while aboard. 16 of 19 Skip Ad Ad Loading... x Embed x Share INSIDE LOOK AT ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S QUANTUM CLASS Quantum of the Seas' 'Two70' is transformative living room | 1:53 By day, Quantum of the Seas' Two70 is a great place to take in the view and relax. But at night, the space transforms into an entertainment venue featuring a massive projection screen and six robotic, moving video screens. 17 of 19 Skip Ad Ad Loading... x Embed x Share INSIDE LOOK AT ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S QUANTUM CLASS Jamie Oliver brings 'neighborhood' Italian to Quantum of the Seas | 1:49 Chef and restauranteur Jamie Oliver is bringing his restaurant, Jamie's Italian, to Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas. The restaurant features classic italian dishes and some diners' favorites from his land-based restaurants. 18 of 19 Skip Ad Ad Loading... x Embed x Share INSIDE LOOK AT ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S QUANTUM CLASS Michael’s Genuine Pub brings artisan flavors to Quantum of the Seas | 1:14 James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz is bring his own line of beers, plus artisanal and craft foods to Michael’s Genuine Pub on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas. 19 of 19 Last VideoNext Video ‘Terrified’ reporter goes flying on cruise ship’s edge 
 
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 Sail onto the water on Anthem of the Seas in 30 seconds 
 
 The luxurious suite feature you just can’t get at home 
 
 Why your next vacation needs a (fairy) Godmother! 
 
 Soar above Anthem of the Seas as it sets sail 
 
 Meet Anthem of the Seas 32-foot mascot 
 
 Quantum of the Seas sets sail for inaugural cruise 
 
 Bionic Bar mixes perfect, precise drinks 
 
 Experience Quantum of the Seas' North Star in 60 seconds 
 
 Quantum of the Seas suites 'wow' with space, epic views 
 
 Get airborne on your next cruise 
 
 Quantum of the Seas ride gives 360-degree sea view 
 
 Quantum of the Seas' Bionic Bar mixes your drink in about a minute 
 
 Virtual balconies bring ocean views to interior state rooms 
 
 Quantum of the Seas' SeaPlex feature bumper cars, more 
 
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 Read or Share this story: http://usat.ly/1MXix6v ||||| MIAMI, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Since the first time humans took to the seas, choosing a ship's name has been the most integral part of launching a new vessel. From Christopher Columbus' Santa Maria, to Captain Cook's Endeavor, to the legendary Norse longship Skíðblaðnir, a ship's name establishes its lofty purpose. Last week, an unlikely name crafted by wordsmith James Hand entered the pantheon of legendary ship names – Boaty McBoatface. 
 
 The whimsical moniker, submitted as part of the UK's Natural Environment Research Council's contest to name its newest $300 million Antarctic survey vessel, has sparked debate on whether the name Boaty McBoatface has the gravitas suitable for its mission. Regardless of the contest outcome, which ends April 16, Royal Caribbean knows that James Hand has forever altered the business of naming ships, and perhaps could make a career out of it. Therefore, Royal Caribbean is thrilled to extend James Hand an offer to bring his talents on deck, and help Royal Caribbean develop the name for a future ship. With five ships debuting in the next three years, Hand's clever copywriting skills will surely be put to good use. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Royal Caribbean's newest and biggest ship yet, Harmony of the Seas, is imagined as Boaty McBoatface of the Seas. The cruise line has invited UK-based James Hand, the wordsmith behind the creative Boaty McBoatface name to sail on Harmony when she launches in Southampton, UK this May. In return, Hand will share his best suggestions to help name a future Royal Caribbean ship. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Royal Caribbean's newest and biggest ship yet, Harmony of the Seas, is imagined as Boaty McBoatface of the Seas. The cruise line has invited UK-based James Hand, the wordsmith behind the creative Boaty McBoatface name to sail on Harmony when she launches in Southampton, UK this May. In return, Hand will share his best suggestions to help name a future Royal Caribbean ship. 
 
 "The people of the United Kingdom know the name of a great ship when they see it," said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "Like the rest of the world, we fell in love with the name Boaty McBoatface when we heard it, and we knew immediately that Royal Caribbean could use James Hand's talent to name our next ship." 
 
 As the first step, Royal Caribbean is inviting James Hand to sail on its newest and biggest ship, Harmony of the Seas, when she launches in Southampton, UK this May. Hand will meet with the cruise line's very own ship naming experts to discuss potential names for a forthcoming ship. 
 
 "If James accepts our offer, who knows, perhaps he could name all our future ships," added Bayley. "James Hand, Chief Naming Officer, Royal Caribbean International. It has a nice ring to it." 
 
 For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers should call their travel agent; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. 
 
 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160331/350074 
 
 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160331/350075 
 
 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/royal-caribbean-asks-genius-behind-boaty-mcboatface-to-help-name-future-ship-300244533.html 
 
 SOURCE Royal Caribbean International ||||| Royal Caribbean has "invited" James Hand, the man who recently entered a contest in the UK to name a ship Boaty McBoatface, to "help" Royal Caribbean name its next cruise ship. 
 
 Coincidently posted on April 1, Royal Caribbean knows that James Hand has forever altered the business of naming ships, and perhaps could make a career out of it. Therefore, Royal Caribbean is thrilled to extend James Hand an offer to bring his talents on deck, and help Royal Caribbean develop the name for a future ship. 
 
 With five ships debuting in the next three years, Hand’s clever copywriting skills will surely be put to good use. 
 
 "The people of the United Kingdom know the name of a great ship when they see it," said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "Like the rest of the world, we fell in love with the name Boaty McBoatface when we heard it, and we knew immediately that Royal Caribbean could use James Hand’s talent to name our next ship." 
 
 As the first step, Royal Caribbean is inviting James Hand to sail on its newest and biggest ship, Harmony of the Seas, when she launches in Southampton, UK this May. Hand will meet with the cruise line’s very own ship naming experts to discuss potential names for a forthcoming ship. 
 
 "If James accepts our offer, who knows, perhaps he could name all our future ships,” added Bayley. “James Hand, Chief Naming Officer, Royal Caribbean International. It has a nice ring to it." ||||| The cruise line tried the name on for size -- Boaty McBoatface of the Seas -- in these doctored photos of one of its ships. No, the company isn't planning to steal the moniker that the Guardian says "sounds like it was christened by a 5-year-old who has drunk three cartons of Capri-Sun."
– Royal Caribbean has crowdsourced the public before to help it name its cruise ships, but it's tapping into a rather unusual source this time around: the guy who came up with "Boaty McBoatface." The company invited British bloke James Hand—whose "whimsical moniker," as a press release puts it, for a $300 million UK research vessel was the most popular choice in an online Internet naming contest—to come for a sail in May on its new Harmony of the Seas, USA Today reports. But this is no simple pleasure cruise: RC apparently wants the 26-year-old Hand to help it brainstorm for a name for another upcoming ship. (The LA Times doesn't think it's an April Fools' joke, but a fan blog isn't so sure.) "Like the rest of the world, we fell in love with the name Boaty McBoatface when we heard it, and we knew immediately that Royal Caribbean could use James Hand's talent to name our next ship," CEO Michael Bayley says. Hand, who has called his whole experience "bonkers," isn't granting interviews at the moment, but he tells USA Today in an email through a third party that "the offer came as a massive surprise, as has all of the interest since I submitted the name Boaty McBoatface." Meanwhile, Bayley says Hand could have a sweet future in the business of ship-naming: "Who knows, perhaps he could name all our future ships. James Hand, Chief Naming Officer, Royal Caribbean International. It has a nice ring to it."