Ponant celebrated Le Lyrial's inaugural call at the port of New York on 01OCT with a plaque exchange, a time-honoured maritime tradition.
The ceremony was attended by executives from Ponant, including CEO & chief sustainability officer Hervé Gastinel, deputy CEO Belinda Hindmarsh, and CEO Americas Samuel Chamberlain.
Officials and partners from New York in attendance included Francisco Pineda, EVP of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), acting port director Jeffrey Green, and officials from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Ports America.
Over the next three years, Ponant will return to New York City multiple times.
“We are thrilled for PONANT’s return to New York City with the inaugural visit of Le Lyrial and it has been an honor to receive such a warm welcome from local officials and our partners here,” said Hervé Gastinel.
“As we sailed into the harbor and past the Statue of Liberty, our guests and team onboard were overwhelmed with emotion and many of our guests noted it was a highlight of their cruise. I want to extend special thanks to Francisco Pineda and the NYCEDC for their vision and collaboration in making this day a reality, as well as to Acting Port Director Jeffrey Green and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their support.”
The 244-guest Le Lyrial has a French flair and offers enrichment and entertainment as well as a full-service spa, a fitness centre and a heated swimming pool.
