New York embraces Ponant ship in an emotional arrival

So said Capt. Stanislas Devorsine during Tuesday's maiden call plaque exchange at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal's Pier 88.

It was the first time since 2017 a Ponant ship called in New York, the company's US home.

Lady Liberty

'There is a wealth of history between France and the US,' Ponant CEO Hervé Gastinel said. 'Sailing into New York, passing by the Statue of Liberty, is very touching, very moving. Everyone was overwhelmed.

'Our guests arrived on a glorious morning with beautiful light and colors. For our international travelers, New York continues to be a highlight.'

More calls

Ponant ships are scheduled at least seven times in the next couple years and the line would like to add more calls, Gastinel said.

It now employs nearly 90 people stateside and Ponant works closely with US suppliers, partners and explorers.

With six months on the job as Ponant CEO, Americas, for New Yorker Sam Chamberlain, it was 'thrilling' to welcome Le Lyrial. He made the most of the overnight call, hosting — with Gastinel and other Ponant management — an evening at the storied Explorers Club where two explorer members who serve as guest lecturers for Ponant were in the limelight.

From left, Sam Chamberlain, Capt. Stanislas Devorsine, NYCEDC's Francisco Pineda, Hervé Gastinel, Customs and Border Protection's Jeffrey Greene and Ports America's Ken Winkler PHOTO: ANNE KALOSH

The festivities continued on Tuesday aboard Le Lyrial with multiple plaques exchanged. It was the chance for guests including local brass, travel advisors and media to sample Ponant's hospitality. French wines, a gourmet lunch and ship tours before Le Lyrial deadheads to Argentina to begin its 2024/25 Antarctica season.

Related:Explorers' tales at Ponant Explorers Club soirée

Partnership

Francisco Pineda, EVP asset management of the New York City Economic Development Corp., which oversees the cruise terminals, noted Big Apple tourism has nearly recovered to pre-pandemic levels, 'no short credit to the cruise industry, which brought many of these folks.'

Longtime cruise line partners 'buttressed us during COVID but new partners are also important,' Pineda said, welcoming Ponant with its valued French passengers and cachet for the nearby important French Canadian market, too.

'Traveling in the shoulder season has now become the hottest thing,' Pineda said, citing the popularity of fall foliage cruises.

Jeffrey Greene, acting port director, Port of New York/Newark, US Customs and Border Protection, said CBP had processed more than 300 ships and 1.5m cruise passengers in 2024.

Ken Winkler, GM and facility security officer at Ports America, which manages the Manhattan and Brooklyn cruise terminals, also welcomed Le Lyrial and presented a plaque to Capt. Devorsine.

Ship tour

At left, new hire Bernardo Carrillo, VP groups and charters, with VP Sales Ellen McIlvaine and, right, Le Lyrial deck cadet and safety officer PHOTOS: ANNE KALOSH

Ponant's Ellen McIlvaine, VP sales, led a ship tour. 'The onboard design is beautiful,' she said of the sleek and sporty superyacht, 'but the whole point is looking out,' she added, recalling watching whales in Antarctica from a treadmill in the gym with its floor-to-ceiling windows.

Related:Ponant's Sam Chamberlain hones target organization/leadership team

Beneath the French tricolor flying from the stern is the swimming pool, in cold climes 'always heated to 84 degrees,' and the nearby grill restaurant, 'my favorite spot for outdoor dining. There's so much space.'

Champagne on the house

And on Ponant, where drinks are included, 'The house sparkling wine is Champagne,' McIlvaine said.

But of course!  

Two of the line's newest US hires, Jeremy Lindblad, director of partnerships, and Bernardo Carrillo, VP groups and charters, were among the Ponant shoreside team on hand.

Carrillo, whose two first days were an immersion of Le Lyrial festivities, completes Sam Chamberlain's six-member leadership team of direct reports. He joined from Hurtigruten, with previous experience at Celebrity Cruises.