Best-selling author Elizabeth Gilbert officially christened Avalon Waterways' latest Suite Ship, Avalon Envision, on Sunday (April 7).
Gilbert, who wrote "Eat Pray Love" about traveling the world alone after a divorce, cut the rope fastened to a bottle of Hungarian sparkling wine, to smash it against the vessel's hull during the traditional naming ceremony.
Avalon Envision made an evening sailing to see the lit-up landmarks of Budapest as she prepared for a short maiden cruise on the Danube River with a group of travel professionals.
The new riverboat, which will stay on the Danube, will sail her first trip with paying passengers later this week.
With the recent retirement of older ships, Avalon managing director Pamela Hoffee announced the company's fleet consisted entirely of panorama-style Suite Ships, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass doors. When opened, the cabins are transformed into open-air balconies.
Avalon's first Suite Ship entered service back in 2011 and the 16th is due for delivery in 2020.