Avalon Waterways has announced that actress and comedian Cheri Oteri, celebrated for her contributions to the success of female entertainers on Saturday Night Live, will christen the Avalon Alegria as godmother on Portugal’s Douro River in 2024.
Of her godmother duties, Cheri Oteri said, “I am beyond excited to have the honor of godmother to the beautiful Avalon Alegria. Taking a river cruise with a constant scenic view of rich landscapes and picturesque villages is the best way to vacation I could ever imagine.
I can’t wait to sightsee with my fellow passengers in different ports while appreciating the spectacular waterways that help support the surrounding ecosystem we all get to enjoy. The beauty of this boat and everything it offers will make the best memories. Wishing us all the voyage of a lifetime aboard the magnificent Alegria!”
Oteri will christen the Avalon Alegria in an international ceremony on March 28, 2024 in Pinhão, Portugal.
About Cheri Oteri, Alegria’s new godmother
Cheri Oteri was born in the Philadelphia suburbs and later moved to Los Angeles where she worked in promotions for A&M Records. There she joined the famed improv sketch comedy troupe The Groundlings. In 1995 the producers of Saturday Night Live saw one of her monologues, leading to an audition and eventually being hired as a cast member where she starred for five seasons.
Since then, Oteri has starred in many comedy movies including Scary Movie, Inspector Gadget, Liar Liar, Dumb And Dumberer, Shrek the Third, and Grown Ups 2 opposite Adam Sandler. More recently, she was last seen in the indie film Love Virtually and Last Call opposite Bruce Dern.
She has also made multiple special guest appearances on hit TV shows including Hot in Cleveland, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Just Shoot Me! (for which she was nominated for an Emmy).
“In our search for the perfect godmother for the Avalon Alegria—our first ship in Portugal with a name that means “happiness”—we knew Cheri Oteri would be the perfect choice,” said Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways, in a press release.
“As a difference-making entertainer—and one of the ground-breaking women who inspired modern comedy in America—Ms. Oteri has brought so much inspiration and joy into our lives. We are thrilled she has chosen to honor as us the godmother of our newest, ‘happiest’ ship in Europe, and we very much look forward to celebrating her and her accomplishments in Portugal at our ship christening,” Hoffee continued.
Avalon Alegria will be the first Avalon ship to sail from Portugal
After her christening ceremony, the 262-foot, 102-passenger Avalon Alegria will become the first Suite Ship from Avalon Waterways to set sail in Portugal. Built exclusively to sail the Douro River, the new ship will feature 14 Deluxe Staterooms and 37 Panorama Suites.
“We’ve waited a long time for the perfect opportunity to add Portugal to our robust vacation portfolio and that day has nearly arrived,” said Hoffee. “Inviting our guests to sail the Douro for the first time, we’re bringing the Suite Ships of Avalon, the grandest views in cruising and whim-powered itineraries to Southwestern Europe. And we couldn’t be more excited.”
The Avalon Alegria will invite guests on board to cruise one itinerary in 2024—Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro.
“For those lucky enough to join our new ship and crew her inaugural year, hillside vineyards and historic villages await them on an eight-day cruise [that] begins and ends in Porto,” said Hoffee.
“Like our cruises across Europe, this itinerary is filled with included “Classic,” “Active” and “Discovery” excursion choices that promise guests countless ways to enjoy the sheer splendor and cinematic scenery of the Douro Valley.”
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Do you think Cheri Oteri is a good choice to serve as godmother of Avalon Alegria? Are you excited about this new ship? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
