10 APR 2019: On a sunny, day in Budapest, Hungary, with the city’s landmarks as its setting, Avalon Waterways christened its 13th Suite Ship in Europe. Acting as the ship’s godmother, Elizabeth Gilbert – acclaimed author of the award-winning, New York Times-bestselling EAT PRAY LOVE – led the christening ceremony.

“We come from the water, we are made of the water, we are drawn to the water. Our lives are rivers meant to be explored and enjoyed,” said Gilbert during her blessing.

“Let every curious soul who steps foot upon this vessel have a safe and blessed journey. May we all be changed for the better by what we discover along this river. And may this boat herself know that she is loved and revered, and that we are grateful to her for her strength and beauty. Onward! I christen thee the Avalon Envision.”

Gilbert then cut a rope tethered to bottle of Torley – Hungary’s most famous sparkling wine – causing the bottle to smash against the newly named ship’s bow. Managing director of Avalon Waterways Pam Hoffee, Captain Ralf Remus and the ship’s crew of 47 as well as a hundred invited guests which included journalists, travel agents, local dignitaries and tourism boards, cheered the ship’s christening in front of a crowd of local onlookers.

“From EAT PRAY LOVE to BIG MAGIC, as an author, Ms. Gilbert has invited her readers to envision something different; a hint of a life or journey outside their comfort zone. She has inspired transformative travel experiences,” said Hoffee.

“An inspired choice as godmother of the Avalon Envision, she has helped us embrace curiosity each day in search of extraordinary; something we ask our travellers to do with Avalon. And we couldn’t be more grateful to her for blessing our new Suite Ship.”

“With the addition of the Avalon Envision, there’s only one point-of-view on an Avalon Waterways cruise – the suite view,” said Hoffee.

“For the first time, our entire fleet in Europe and Southeast Asia is comprised completely of Suite Ships, each featuring our signature Panorama Suites with the industry’s only Open-Air Balcony and an inviting bed facing the ever-changing scenery on two full decks of every ship. Even seasoned travellers have never seen – or experienced – the world like this.”

Beginning this week, the new 443-foot, 166-passenger Avalon Envision will cruise the Danube River on such popular cruise vacations as 10-day Danube Dreams, 10-day The Legendary Danube and 12-day The Blue Danube Discovery.