TORONTO — Meredith Vieira, 15-time Emmy Award-winning television host and news anchor, has been named the godmother of Avalon Waterways’ new Avalon View, set to debut in 2020.

Vieira will christen the ship during an international ceremony on April 6 in Ybbs, Austria. Following the ceremony, the 443-foot, 166- passenger Avalon View will join Avalon’s Suite Ship fleet to sail the Danube River.

Of her new appointment, she said: “I am extremely honoured to be godmother to this beautiful ship. What a relaxing and magical way to travel through Europe. So come onboard, raise a glass of bubbly and, as I like to say, take a little time to enjoy the view!”

According to Pam Hoffee, managing director of Avalon Waterways, Vieira was the perfect choice for the View. “As a difference-making broadcast journalist, executive producer and television host, she has given us a unique, up-close-and-personal view into her life – and the lives of countless others – with unparalleled storytelling, compassionate interviews and an extraordinary ability to connect with those she meets. We could not be happier to celebrate Meredith and her many accomplishments when she honours us as godmother, christening the Avalon View.”

As with all of Avalon’s Suite Ships, the View will feature one-of-a-kind Panorama Suites with the widest-opening windows in river cruising, the industry’s only Open-Air Balcony and beds facing the scenery on two full decks. As a result, Avalon guests can enjoy 100% of their Panorama Suite, 100% of the time.

“Beyond Avalon’s wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows is a world waiting to be explored,” added Hoffee. “Whether travellers want to enjoy a guided walking tour of one of Europe’s great cities, join a cooking class or paddle a canoe, our Avalon Choice selections of Classic, Discovery and Active excursions offer a wide range of possibilities, inviting our guests to customize their vacation each and every day.”