Emerald Cruises & Tours christened the Emerald Astra river ship in Amsterdam on May 31, with U.S. travel advisor Toni Lanotte-Day serving as godmother.
Lanotte-Day, the founder and president of Toni Tours, is one of Scenic Group's top global sellers. Scenic Group is the parent of the Scenic and Emerald cruise brands.
"In maritime tradition, being a godmother represents luck, protection and prosperous journeys ahead," Lanotte-Day said. "But I also see it as representing the travel advisors who believe in this product and help bring it to life for their clients."
The Astra introduces a new design direction intended to evoke what Lanotte-Day described as "a feeling of relaxed joy" from the moment guests step onboard.
"It's for travelers who want to truly experience a destination, whether that is through history, culture, or active exploration, but still return to a space that feels like home," she said.
Scenic Group founder and chairman Glen Moroney, said, "Naming Toni as godmother recognizes the role travel advisors have played in building Scenic Group and the role they will continue to play in shaping our future."
Scenic Group USA president Ken Muskat said it was important to "honor partners like Toni, whose passion, expertise and deep connection to their clients help shape the experiences we deliver and the future direction of our brand."
In 2027, Emerald Cruises will introduce the Emerald Lumi on the Seine River.