Avalon Waterways has announced that Cheri Oteri, actress and comedienne, widely known for the rise of female entertainers on Saturday Night Live in the U.S., will christen the Avalon Alegria as godmother on the Douro River in March 2024.
Speaking of her godmother duties, Cheri Oteri said, “I am beyond excited to have the honour of godmother to the beautiful Avalon Alegria. Taking a river cruise with a constant scenic view of rich landscapes and picturesque villages is the best way to holiday I could ever imagine. I can’t wait to sightsee with my fellow passengers in different ports while appreciating the spectacular waterways that help support the surrounding eco-system we all get to enjoy. The beauty of this boat and everything it offers will make the best memories. Wishing us all the voyage of a lifetime aboard the magnificent Alegria!”
Oteri will christen the Avalon Alegria in an international ceremony that will take place on 28 March 2024 in Pinhão, Portugal.
“In our search for the perfect godmother for the Avalon Alegria – our first ship in Portugal with a name that means ‘happiness’ – we knew Cheri Oteri would be the perfect choice,” said Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways. “As a difference-making entertainer – and one of the ground-breaking women who inspired modern comedy in America – Ms. Oteri has brought so much inspiration and joy into our lives. We are thrilled she has chosen to honour as us the godmother of our newest, ‘happiest’ ship in Europe, and we very much look forward to celebrating her and her accomplishments in Portugal at our ship christening.”
After the christening ceremony, the 262-ft, 102-passenger Avalon Alegria – with 14 Deluxe Staterooms and 37 Panorama Suites, built exclusively to sail the Douro River – will become the first Suite Ship from Avalon Waterways to set sail in Portugal.
Offering guests the perfect blend of elegance and ease, there’s a reason Avalon’s Suite Ships are the critics’ darlings. Creating the widest waterfront view of the world, Avalon Waterways’ Open-Air Balconies were designed with views in mind. A Panorama Suite highlight on all of Avalon’s Suite Ships, these wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows open 11-feet wide in Europe and 14-feet wide in Southeast Asia, wider than any other balconies in the industry. The Avalon Alegria’s Sky Deck also offers guests panoramic views and a pool to soak-in the sunny vistas of Portugal.
“We’ve waited a long time for the perfect opportunity to add Portugal to our robust holiday portfolio and that day has nearly arrived,” said Hoffee. “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. And we couldn’t be more excited.”
The Avalon Alegria will invite guests on board to cruise the Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro itinerary in 2024.
“For those lucky enough to join our new ship and crew her inaugural year, hillside vineyards and historic villages await them on an eight-day cruise that begins and ends in Porto,” said Hoffee. “Like our cruises across Europe, this itinerary is filled with included “Classic,” “Active” and “Discovery” excursion choices that promise guests countless ways to enjoy the sheer splendour and cinematic scenery of the Douro Valley.”
To learn more about Avalon Waterways and the Avalon Alegria, visit www.avalonwaterways.com.au.
