Cruise Ship Le Lyrial Makes Inaugural Call at Bridgetown Port
BRIDGETOWN -- French luxury cruise ship, Le Lyrial, sailed into the Bridgetown Port last Friday on its inaugural call to the island carrying 240 passengers, mainly from France and Germany.
The Ponant-owned ship, captained by Rémi Genevaz, departed Brazil on March 16, traveling through French Guiana and Venezuela before arriving in Barbados.
Captain Rémi Genevaz, who has 42 years’ experience pioneering vessels, said he was delighted to overnight in Barbados. “While Le Lyrial often sails into exotic waters, we consider Barbados the ideal Caribbean island to traverse,” Genevaz said.
Barbados Port Inc. (BPI) officials were on hand to welcome Le Lyrial, and exchanged the traditional plaques on behalf of the island. Manager of Terminal Operations, Ian Stewart, said he was proud that the Bridgetown Port continued to attract major excursion cruise ships and hoped to see the remainder of the fleet grace Barbadian waters.
Le Lyrial is the identical sister ship to Le Soléal, and one of a four ship fleet named after constellations. She is 142 metres long and boasts of 122 staterooms and suites. The six-deck ship also features two French cuisine restaurants, a salon, spa, theater and a poolside bar. She has the capacity to carry a maximum of 264 passengers and 139 crew members. Captain Genevaz pointed out that although the ship’s crew comprised mainly of Filipinos, there was a chance that Barbadians may be able to secure employment with the cruise line.
Le Lyrial is the 15th ship to make an inaugural call at the Bridgetown Port for the 2015-16 winter season.
