Christened in classical Viennese style on the banks of the Danube on Tuesday [June 3], Illumination is the third addition to Avalon’s European fleet this year.
- Globus Australasia MD Stewart Williams with godmother Deborah Hutton and Avalon Waterways MD Patrick Clark
“May all who sail on this splendid vessel enjoy their voyage and take home with them the joy and enrichment of a shared journey,” Deborah said as she launched the ship. “May she enjoy the warm and familiar welcome of the ports, towns and cities she visits along Europe’s greatest rivers.”
Jointly hosted by the Vienna Tourist Board, Illumination’s launch was conducted in classical Austrian style, featuring music by Strauss and Viennese dancers performing a waltz. The event was attended by media and travel industry leaders from Australia, New Zealand and the US, as well as Austrian dignitaries and tourism officials.
The 83-cabin Illumination is the eighth vessel introduced by Avalon since its successful Suite Ship concept made its debut three years ago with the launch of Avalon Panorama.
- valon Illumination Naming - Captain Anton Van Den Boom on the bow of the ship with godmother Deborah Hutton and Avalon Waterways MD Patrick Clark
Designed with Australasian travellers in mind, the Suite Ships form part of the most modern river cruise fleet in Europe and offer 30 per cent more cabin space than the average competitor.
Each has two decks of all-suite accommodation and wall-to-wall panoramic windows that slide back to turn the entire cabin into an open-air balcony, allowing passengers to enjoy the outdoors without compromising space.
Next year Avalon will introduce another two Suite Ships – Avalon Tapestry II and Avalon Tranquility II – giving it a total of 10 Suite Ships in an overall European fleet of 15 vessels.
Avalon Waterways Managing Director Australasia Stewart Williams said the involvement of Deborah Hutton as Illumination’s godmother provided a fitting tribute to Avalon’s Australian guests.
- Captain Anton van den Boom, Deborah Hutton and Avalon Waterways MD Patrick Clark
“Avalon’s Suite Ships have met with sell-out success thanks largely to the enthusiasm of Australians and New Zealanders, so we’re delighted to have an Aussie godmother to launch Avalon Illumination,” he said.
“Australasian travellers now represent Avalon’s second biggest source market worldwide and continue to book river cruises in record numbers.”
Deborah Hutton is the second Australian godmother to launch an Avalon Suite Ship, after the christening of Avalon Panorama by television presenter Lisa Wilkinson in 2011.
Deborah will now play an ongoing role with Avalon as its brand ambassador for Australasia, appearing in its advertising and marketing initiatives in Australia and New Zealand.
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