Avalon's Newest "Suite Ship" Names International Best-Selling Author Patricia Schultz as Godmother

Today, Avalon Waterways announced that acclaimed author of the international bestseller books 1,000 Places to See Before You Die®, Patricia Schultz, will christen the Avalon Expression – one of two new "suite ships" being unveiled in 2013.

Of her godmother duties, Ms. Schultz said, "It is an honor, without doubt, but also a thrill and a delight to have this chance to christen the Avalon Expression. I know that countless adventurers will fill every departure, excited by the promise of exploring Europe's history-lined rivers. Sailing through its most special corners on such a beautiful vessel is something that makes me exceptionally proud!" Ms. Schultz will christen the Avalon Expression in an international ceremony that will take place on May 6, 2013 in Cochem, Germany.

"Ms. Schultz has inspired thousands of people driven by wanderlust to travel the world," said Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways. "She is the perfect godmother for the Expression – a suite ship that will soon deliver travelers to the heart of Europe, encouraging them to explore and experience each destination while enjoying panoramic views day and night, along the way."

About Avalon's Suite Ships:
With two full decks of suites, nothing showcases the best of river cruising like our Suite Ships," said Patrick Clark managing director of Avalon Waterways. "Each Suite has been thoughtfully designed to enhance the European cruise experience. From bed and bathroom positioning to storage and sound-proof insulation, we provide cruisers a renewed feeling of freedom, space and comfort not found with other cruise lines."

The suites on the Avalon Expression feature a large seating area adjacent to a Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window. When opened, this 10' x 7' floor-to-ceiling window transforms the entire suite into the category's only Open-Air BalconySM. With a focus on bringing the beauty of Europe inside, Avalon's Open-Air Balconies can be enjoyed any hour of the day, all year, adding comfort to the overall guest experience.

About Patricia Schultz:
Patricia Schultz is the author of the international bestsellers 1,000 Places to See Before You Die® (now with over 3 million copies in print and translated into 25 languages) and 1,000 Places to See in the USA and Canada Before You Die®, books that reinvented the idea of travel book as both wish list and practical guide.

A second edition of the original book came out in Fall 2011, with 200 entirely new destinations and more than 50% new material woven into the revised entries, emphasizing travel areas rather than single sites. A veteran travel journalist with 25 years of experience, Ms. Schultz has written for Wall Street Journal, Travel Weekly and Everyday with Rachael Ray. She also executive-produced a Travel Channel television show based on her book, 1,000 Places To See Before You Die. Her home base is New York City.

ABOUT AVALON WATERWAYS
Award-winning Avalon Waterways offers travelers the youngest, most innovative fleet of ships in Europe, China, Southeast Asia, Egypt and the Galápagos. Our travelers have inspired us to utilize more than 80 years of travel expertise to design the best river cruise experience possible. We've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better-down to the last detail. Our views are panoramic and spaces large and inviting; comfort is king and dining both personal and flexible. And, thanks to our partnership with Globus, our itineraries are legendary. By design, Avalon cruisers are privy to all-inclusive access to a destination, including guided sightseeing in every port, VIP entry into key destinations and unparalleled cultural immersion and storytelling thanks to highly skilled Cruise and Tour Directors. In addition to countless trade accolades, Avalon Waterways has garnered some of the industry's most prestigious honors: Among them, the river cruise company was voted the Best River Cruise Line in 2010 by Cruise Critic editors, picked the No. 2 Best Small-Ship Cruise Line in Travel + Leisure's 2010 World's Best Awards, chosen as the "Best Value in River Cruising" by Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel and featured in Condé Nast Traveler's 2009 Gold List. Avalon Waterways is part of the Globus family of brands.

Consumers can book an Avalon Waterways vacation or request brochures by visiting a preferred travel agent or by calling the following toll free number: 1.877.380.1535. For more information, please visit www.avalonwaterways.com. Or, Like us on Facebook.