Deborah Hutton launches newest Avalon Suite Ship

Deborah Hutton launches newest Avalon Suite Ship
By admin


Avalon Waterways’ newest river cruise ship, Avalon Illumination, received a special treat when Aussie TV personality Deborah Hutton launched the vessel.

In a ceremony on June 3 on the banks of the Danube in Vienna, Illumination became the third addition to Avalon’s European fleet this year.

“May she enjoy the warm and familiar welcome of the ports, towns and cities she visits along Europe’s greatest rivers,” said Hutton as she launched the ship.

Jointly hosted by the Vienna tourist Board, Illumination’s launch was carried out in true Austrian style, featuring music by Strauss and Viennese dancers performing a waltz.

The event was attended by media and travel industry representatives from Australia, New Zealand and the US, with Austrian dignitaries and tourism officials welcoming the guests to the occasion.

The 83-cabin vessel is the eighth ship to join Avalon’s Suite Ship collection, which made its debut three years ago.

Designed with Australasian travellers in mind, the Suite Ships offer all-suite accommodation and wall-to-wall panoramic windows that slide back to transform the entire cabin into an open-air balcony.

“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,” managing director Australasia Stewart Williams said.

“Australasian travellers now represent Avalon’s second biggest source market worldwide and continue to book river cruises in record numbers.”

Hutton is the second Aussie ‘godmother’ to launch an Avalon Suite Ship, after television presenter, Lisa Wilkinson, launched Avalon Panorama in 2011.

Hutton will now play an ongoing role with Avalon as its brand ambassador for Australasia, appearing in advertising and marketing initiatives in Australia and New Zealand.

"email-Globus-Australasia-MD-Stewart-Williams-Deborah-Hutton-and-Avalon-Waterways-MD-Patrick-Clark.jpg"

Globus Australasia MD Stewart Williams with godmother Deborah Hutton and Avalon Waterways MD Patrick Clark

"email-L-to-R-Petra-Solba-Stewart-Williams-godmother-Deborah-Hutton-Patrick-Clark-and-Astrid-Mullholland-1.jpg"

Austrian National Tourist Office CEO Petra Solba, with Globus Australasia MD Stewart Williams, godmother Deborah Hutton, Avalon Waterways MD Patrick Clark and Austrian National Tourist Office Director Australia Astrid Mullholland

"email-L-to-R-Captain-Anton-van-den-Boom-Deborah-Hutton-and-Patrick-Clark-1.jpg"

Captain Anton van den Boom, Deborah Hutton and Avalon Waterways MD Patrick Clark

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