CLIA's Kelly Craighead names Emerald Sakara in San Juan festivities

The Pier 4 East terminal was decked out for the occasion and music was provided by a local band. After Craighead broke the Champagne, flyboarders emerged from behind the yacht, providing a celebratory finish to the ceremony.

Godmother Kelly Craighead extolled the 'stunning beauty' of Emerald Sakara

'The stunning luxury of Emerald Sakara, complemented by Emerald Cruises’ commitment to environmentally responsible tourism, exemplifies CLIA’s advocacy for sustainable tourism and preservation of cruise destinations around the world for future generations,' Craighead said.

Accompanying the godmother were Scenic Group founder and Chairman Glen Moroney and Scenic Group Managing Director for the US Ken Muskat. On hand were Emerald Sakara Capt. Rob O’Leary, local travel advisors and US trade partners, embarking passengers and media.

'We are a pretty unique entity in the cruise industry when it comes to both our river and ocean luxury ships,' Moroney said. 'We are intimately involved with every aspect of the build process — coming up with the concept, doing the design, overseeing the engineering, then building the ships including all interior design in house, then employing all of the crew members directly. 

Inspirational leader

Having Craighead as the godmother 'follows that same thought process as she embodies a similar can-do attitude and history, and her leadership and guidance with CLIA over the recent challenging years for the industry is inspirational,' Moroney continued.

Remarks were also delivered by Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico; Crystal J. Bell, air & cruise director of Puerto Rico Tourism Co.; and Christian Trinidad De Jesus, deputy executive director of Puerto Rico Ports Authority.