Avalon Alegria Christened in Pinhão, Portugal
by Briana Bonfiglio
Ship Captain Alberto Moreira, Godmother Cheri Oteri, and Avalon President Pam Hoffee aboard Avalon Alegria. Photo: Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways christened its 15th suite river cruise ship during a rainy yet cheerful ceremony in Pinhão, Portugal on March 28.
The ship’s godmother, comedian Cheri Oteri, of Saturday Night Live fame, led the occasion joined by Avalon President Pam Hoffee, Captain Alberto Moreira, 33 ship crewmembers, and guests to officially name the ship Alegria and crash a ceremonial bottle of Port Wine on the boat.
“When we named our ship ‘happiness,’ which is of course what Alegria means, we couldn’t have thought of a better choice for our godmother than Cheri Oteri,” Hoffee said. “As a difference-making entertainer and one of the groundbreaking women who inspired modern comedy in America, Cheri has brought so much inspiration and joy to our lives.”
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“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,” Oteri said. “May her sunny disposition carry this ship, her captain, crew and guests, far as they set sail responsibly, together, through scenic landscapes, sloping vineyards and sleepy villages. Shine brightly on the ‘river of gold,’ Avalon Alegria.”
A group of about 65 journalists, suppliers, host agency executives, and other Avalon guests were invited for Alegria’s inaugural four-night sailing on the Douro River. It is Avalon’s, part of the Globus family of brands, debut on the increasingly popular river in Portugal, which offers classic, active, and discovery tours in cities such as Porto, Regua, and Leverinho, many focusing on the wine in the region.
The 262-foot Avalon Alegria has 102 guest capacity with two lounges, a dining room, small fitness area, and a pool deck. Most of the accommodations on board are Avalon’s signature panorama balcony suites which the company launched in 2011. Meanwhile, Avalon is also celebrating 20 years in business.
“It’s an exciting time to be bringing in a new ship,” Hoffee said. “It’s really important that we were able to bring this type of ship to the Douro with our panorama suites that are so loved by our guests. Twenty years ago, we didn’t need another traditional river cruise ship, we needed to do something different, and that really paid off for us. Our guests really do love Avalon Waterways.”
Avalon Alegria will have its first guests on board for the Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro sailing on April 3.
