Avalon Waterways on Wednesday christened its newest Suite Ship class of river cruise vessels, the 166-passenger Avalon Passion, one week after the company launched another new Suite Ship, the 128-passenger Avalon Imagery II.
The Avalon Passion was christened in Linz, Austria, by the ship's godmother, Jill Ellis, head coach of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team. The Avalon Imagery II was christened in Engers, Germany, by its godmother, New Zealand broadcaster Judy Bailey.
The two vessels bring to 12 the number of Suite Ships Avalon has launched since introducing its newest generation of river cruise ships in 2010. With the addition of these two new ships and the retirement of the Avalon Scenery, which launched in 2008, Avalon's European river cruise fleet numbers 16 this year.
Avalon designed its Suite Ships with staterooms on the upper two decks that have beds facing out towards floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall sliding glass doors that when opened provide passengers with a 7-foot-wide French balcony.
These Panorama Suites, as they're called, measure between 200 and 300 square feet each. Staterooms on the lowest deck have porthole windows and are 172 square feet each.
After the christening ceremony, the Avalon Passion will be sailing Danube river cruises, while the Avalon Imagery II is sailing Rhine River itineraries.