To the beat of KC and the Sunshine Band’s 1975 hit “Boogie Shoes,” Avalon Waterways christened its 15th Suite Ship in Pinhão, Portugal, late last week with actress Cheri Oteri (‘Saturday Night Live’) doing the honours and serving as Godmother.
“Today, I name this goddess of Portugal’s Douro River, the Avalon Alegria! Not only is she the newest, happiest ship in Portugal, she is one of the most sustainable vessels in Europe,” declared Oteri during her blessing, after which she cut a rope tethered to a bottle of Marques de Marialva Cuvée Primitivo causing it to smash against the newly named ship’s bow.
Avalon Waterways president Pam Hoffee, Captain Alberto Moreir,a and the ship’s crew of 33 – as well as approximately 65 invited guests that included travel advisors, the ship’s builder, and local dignitaries – were on hand for the ceremony.
The new, 262-foot, 102-passenger Avalon Alegria – with 14 Deluxe Staterooms and 37 Panorama Suites, built exclusively to sail the Douro River – is the first Suite Ship from Avalon Waterways to set sail in Portugal.
Her first journey sets sail on April 3 with on “Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro” itinerary.
The ship features a warm mix of light and dark woods, accented by rich copper and taupe hues, vibrant tones of green mixed with cool blues in public spaces and touches of muted yellow throughout the new, Suite Ship’s Panorama Suites and Deluxe Staterooms.
The colour palate onboard was inspired by Douro Valley landscapes, brought to life by Dutch interior designer Liane van Leeuwen. Original works of art in Alegria’s public areas were created by Dutch artist Sofia Fisher while four, specially lit artistic showcases celebrating the tradition of Portuguese Azulejos, were made in Porto by Gazete.
“Today, the Avalon Alegria joins an entire fleet of Suite Ships in Europe and Southeast Asia,” said Hoffee. “Each features our boutique-hotel inspired Panorama Suites, the industry’s only Open-Air Balconies with the widest-opening windows in cruising and decadent Comfort Collection beds that face the ever-changing scenery. Glass balcony panels on the Avalon Alegria provide an extra, exciting cruising outlook with completely unobstructed views, as does our first Sky Deck pool, inviting guests to enjoy panoramic views, soaking-in the vineyard-lined vistas of Portugal. Even seasoned travelers have never seen – or experienced – the world like this.”
“We’ve waited a long time for the perfect opportunity to add Portugal to our robust vacation portfolio and that day has finally arrived,” she added. “Inviting our guests to sail the Douro for the first time, we’re bringing the Suite Ships of Avalon, the grandest views in cruising and whim-powered itineraries to Southwestern Europe. We’re thrilled to officially set sail on the Douro!”
All cruise itineraries include “Classic,” “Active” and “Discovery” excursion choices.