Plaque Exchange with Ship

Port Director Steve McAlearney, Commissioner Lisette Carey, Mayor Teri Johnston, ACL’s Shelley Hartfield, Vice Mayor Sam Kaufman, and Commissioner Billy Wardlow. Commission Mary Lou Hoover was in attendance via Zoom.

To ensure that the entire community shared in the moment, Mayor Teri Johnston and American Cruise Line exchanged plaques.

The exchange is a long-standing tradition, a means of welcoming a new vessel to the port. In January, Mayor Johnston was named Godmother of the ship and had the opportunity to bless and christen the American Glory.

The new American Cruise Line luxury vessel was welcomed by business leaders, representatives of Safer Smaller Ships, and the community at a ceremony at Mallory Square.

At last week’s commission meeting, ACL representative Shelley Hartfield also presented the mayor with a framed photo that was taken the moment the champagne bottle broke during the christening. Karen noted that it was by far the best christening photo ever taken at ACL events.