Travel advisor and former New York City first responder Toni Day has been appointed as the godmother of the new river cruise ship, Emerald Astra. This vessel, which accommodates up to 180 guests, is being heralded by Emerald Cruises as a transformative addition to the luxury river cruising experience. The Emerald Astra is set to commence its voyages along the scenic Danube and Rhine rivers beginning in May.
Before its inaugural cruise, Emerald Cruises will hold a christening ceremony in Amsterdam, signifying the ship’s official launch. This event is poised to highlight not only the luxury features of the Emerald Astra but also to honor Day’s incredible journey.
With an impressive 25-year career in the New York City Fire Department, where she achieved the rank of EMS deputy chief, Day brings a unique blend of service and leadership to her new role as godmother. Notably, she served as a paramedic stationed at Ground Zero in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
Ken Muskat, President of Scenic Group USA/Latam, praised Day’s contributions, stating, "Toni embodies the passion, dedication, and resilience that define the very best of the travel industry. Her service as a first responder and her leadership as a travel advisor have touched countless lives." This recognition underscores the alignment between Day’s values and those of Emerald Cruises.
Award-Winning Travel Advisor
In 2004, Toni Day founded Toni Tours, focusing on luxury ocean and river cruises, and has since established herself as one of Scenic’s top sales agents. Her successful travel consultancy is well-regarded for curating exceptional experiences for clients. Throughout her extensive career, Day has explored over 120 countries across all seven continents, further cementing her expertise in the travel industry.
In addition to her consulting work, she plays a vital role as a special-event coordinator for the North Florida ASTA Chapter. Day’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed; she has received accolades such as the Barbara O’Hara Advocacy Award from ASTA and has been recognized in Nexion’s Circle of Excellence for three consecutive years.
Reflecting on her new role, Day expressed her gratitude: "It is an incredible honor to be named Godmother of Emerald Astra, especially since Astra is a word of Latin and Greek origin meaning ‘stars.’ Throughout my life, I’ve always believed in reaching for the stars, whether serving my community or helping travelers discover the world."
As the Emerald Astra prepares to set sail, the combination of Day’s remarkable background and the ship’s promise of luxury ensure that this new chapter in river cruising will be a noteworthy experience for all who embark on it. For more information on luxury river cruising opportunities, visit Emerald Cruises.
