Former FDNY First Responder Toni Lanotte-Day Christens Emerald Astra

Former FDNY EMS Deputy Chief and longtime travel advisor Toni Lanotte-Day christened Emerald Astra in Amsterdam on May 31, welcoming the newest Emerald Cruises river ship to the line’s European fleet.

Toni Lanotte-Day christens Emerald Astra during the ship’s official ceremony in Amsterdam on May 31. Courtesy of Emerald Cruises & Tours. — Toni Lanotte-Day christens *Emerald Astra* during the ship’s official ceremony in Amsterdam on May 31. Courtesy of Emerald Cruises & Tours.

Lanotte-Day, who serves as the ship’s godmother, joined the captain for the traditional bottle-breaking ceremony. The Amsterdam celebration brought together travel advisors, crew members and Emerald Cruises executives.

Before entering the travel industry, Lanotte-Day spent more than 25 years with the New York City Fire Department. She rose to the rank of EMS Deputy Chief and served at Ground Zero during the rescue and recovery efforts following the Sept. 11 attacks.

Toni Lanotte-Day, godmother of Emerald Astra, poses with the ship’s captain during the vessel’s christening ceremony in Amsterdam. Courtesy of Emerald Cruises & Tours. — Toni Lanotte-Day, godmother of *Emerald Astra*, poses with the ship’s captain during the vessel’s christening ceremony in Amsterdam. Courtesy of Emerald Cruises & Tours.

She later founded Toni Tours, a travel agency specializing in ocean and river cruises. According to Emerald Cruises, Lanotte-Day has visited more than 120 countries across all seven continents.

Like the rest of Emerald Cruises’ Star-Ships in Europe, Emerald Astra offers a more intimate river cruising experience. Onboard features include a three-tier atrium, open-air public spaces and the line’s signature heated pool, which transforms into a cinema in the evenings.

Glen Moroney, founder and chairman of Scenic Group, speaks during Emerald Astra’s christening ceremony in Amsterdam. Courtesy of Emerald Cruises & Tours. — Glen Moroney, founder and chairman of Scenic Group, speaks during *Emerald Astra’*s christening ceremony in Amsterdam. Courtesy of Emerald Cruises & Tours.

The 443-foot ship sails the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. It accommodates 180 passengers across 91 cabins and carries 51 crew members. Emerald Astra also joins the company’s growing fleet of Emerald Star-Ships in Europe.