Travel Weekly’s editor-in-chief to be godmother of Azamara Pursuit

Travel Weekly’s editor-in-chief Lucy Huxley has been named one of the two godmothers of Azamara Pursuit.

Azamara Club Cruises president and chief executive Larry Pimentel revealed the news at a Travel Weekly Executive Dinner in central London tonight (June 14).

Huxley will be joined as the ship’s godmother by Ellen Asmodeo-Giglio, AFAR executive vice president and chief revenue officer.

Pimentel said: “If we put together a product we do it with a lot of heart. The Pursuit is going to be named in Southampton and that is coming up in August. When this day comes up the thing which is very important to seamen is the godmothers of the ship.

“I have had a lot of choices. I thought about it and I came to a conclusion. I came to two choices. I admired them both for their drive. Ellen represents the North American market.

“But I have also selected an extraordinary godmother and that is Lucy Huxley. Her enthusiasm and drive for the industry is awesome. It really is.

Richard Twynam, UK & Ireland managing director, said: “This is fantastic news for the Azamara Club Cruises brand. Larry Pimentel has chosen two incredible ladies that are passionately committed to their areas of expertise.

“In Lucy’s case that is the travel trade, which we are also passionate about.”

Huxley will attend the christening ceremony onboard Azamara Pursuit’s sailing on August 28.

Azamara Pursuit, the line’s third ship, has been acquired from P&O Cruises, where it sailed under the name Adonia.

The ship’s refit is being carried out in the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast.

The first Azamara Pursuit cruise will depart Southampton, England, on August 1 and visit eight destinations, including Kristiansand, Flam and Haugesund.

All four of the ship’s first four voyages will call in the UK.