TORONTO — The Danube will soon be the setting for a new special interest cruise featuring Avalon Waterways’ godmother Patricia Schultz, author of the international bestseller 1000 Places to See Before You Die.

“In May 2013, I christened the Avalon Expression, the newest Suite Ship addition to Avalon Waterways’ impressive fleet of river cruise ships,” said Schultz. “At that time, I thought nothing could top the once-in-a-lifetime honour, until they asked me to host a godmother cruise on ‘my’ ship.”

On this special 7-night Godmother Cruise departing Aug. 11, 2015, Patricia will be offering fellow cruisers the chance to sit in on guest lectures about must-see destinations around the world and have their books signed as the Expression sails the Blue Danube from Budapest on to Vienna, Durnstein-Melk, Linz-Passau and Regensburg before reaching Nuremburg.

The Avalon Expression accommodates 166 passengers, making it the perfect size to get to know your fellow passengers.

“Patricia has inspired thousands of people driven by wanderlust to travel the world,” said Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways. “She was the perfect godmother and a wonderful choice to lead a cruise on the Expression in 2015. We’re thrilled to extend our relationship with her to a group of lucky Avalon travellers.”