US broadcast journalist and television host, Meredith Vieira, set to christen the Avalon View in 2022

Avalon Waterways has announced that Meredith Vieira, US broadcast journalist and television host, 15-time Emmy Award-winning host, executive producer and anchor, will christen the Avalon View as godmother in 2022.
Originally scheduled for April 2020 but delayed due to travel restrictions brought-on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Avalon View will finally make her debut in April 2022 in Bratislava, Slovakia.
Of her godmother duties, Vieira said, “I am extremely honoured to be godmother to this beautiful ship! What a relaxing and magical way to travel through Europe. So come on board, raise a glass of bubbly, and, as I like to say, take a little time to enjoy the VIEW!” Vieira will christen the Avalon View in an international ceremony that will take place on the Danube River on 12 April 2022.
“In our search for the perfect godmother for the Avalon View, we were inspired by Meredith Vieira,” said Pam Hoffee, managing director of Avalon Waterways. “As a difference-making broadcast journalist, executive producer and television host, she has given us a unique, up-close-and-personal view into her life – and the lives of countless others – with unparalleled storytelling, compassionate interviews and an extraordinary ability to connect with those she meets. We are thrilled Meredith stuck with us, honouring us as godmother, for this long-awaited Suite Ship debut.”
After the christening ceremony, the 443-foot, 166-passenger Avalon View will join Avalon’s Suite Ship fleet to sail the Danube River in 2022.
“Travellers wanting to see the world need only cruise down its legendary rivers. For those interested in seeing more of the world, there’s Avalon Waterways,” said Hoffee. “The Avalon View, and all of our Suite Ships, feature one-of-a-kind Panorama Suites with the widest-opening windows in river cruising, the industry’s only Open-Air Balcony and beds facing the ever-changing scenery on two full decks of every ship.”

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 the Avalon 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. They blur the line between outside and in while forming a comfortable and spacious seating area without compromising room space. As a result, Avalon guests can enjoy 100 per cent of their Panorama Suite, 100 per cent of the time.
“Beyond Avalon’s wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows is a world waiting to be explored,” added Hoffee. “Whether travellers want to enjoy a guided walking tour of one of Europe’s great cities, join a cooking class or paddle a canoe, our Avalon Choice selections of Classic, Discovery and Active excursions offer a wide range of possibilities, inviting our guests to customise their holiday each and every day.”
Edited by: John Alwyn-Jones, Cruise Editor