On Thursday, March 28, Avalon Waterways christened its 15th Suite Ship, Avalon Alegria, in Europe. Acting as the ship’s godmother, Cheri Oteri – widely known for the rise of female entertainers on Saturday Night Live – led the christening ceremony on the Douro River.

After reciting her blessing, Cheri Oteri cut a rope tethered to locally produced Cuvée – Marques de Marialva Cuvée Primitivo – causing the bottle to smash against the newly named ship’s bow.

The new, 262-foot, 102-passenger Avalon Alegria – with 14 Deluxe Staterooms and 37 Panorama Suites, built exclusively to sail the Douro River – is the first Suite Ship from Avalon Waterways to set sail in Portugal.

The Avalon Alegria welcomed her first, official guests on board to cruise Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro on April 3, 2024.