Avalon Waterways today announced that World Champion and London Gold medal Olympian, Dr Katherine Grainger CBE will become godmother to Avalon Poetry II, one of three new 'state of the art' river cruise suite ships due to launch in the spring of 2014.

Dr Katherine Grainger, who won gold in the rowing double sculls at last year's Olympics and continues to promote the legacy of London 2012, will act as official godmother at the ship christening ceremony in Dordrecht, Holland on 22 March 2014. Part of a 'twin christening' ceremony with sister ship, Avalon Impression, the event will take place as the two vessels are moored up alongside each other. The christening forms part of a special four day inaugural river cruise for both ships sailing from Cologne to Amsterdam (20-23 March).   

With VIP guests from the worldwide travel industry and members of the media invited to attend, the ceremony will be followed by a celebratory champagne reception, dinner and live entertainment with a finale of a fireworks display.

Dr Katherine Grainger commented: "I am both honoured and delighted to become godmother to the Avalon Poetry II. It is clear that Avalon Waterways share my passion in creating a winning formula on the water and I am very much looking forward to the christening."

Alan MacLean, Avalon Waterways' Managing Director commented: "We are delighted that Katherine will be godmother to our latest suite ship Avalon Poetry II and join us in our celebrations with travel industry partners. Being a world class athlete and having achieved so much in her sport of rowing, Katherine continues to be an athlete ambassador to show others what can be achieved by drawing inspiration from London 2012.

"We hope that Katherine will enjoy being part of the Avalon experience and experiencing firsthand the high standards we set ourselves in achieving our own excellence on water. We strive to provide our guests with the best river cruise experience possible onboard our modern fleet of ships."

Continuing to revolutionise river cruising, the new ships will bring the total of suite ships in the fleet to eight, all offering the same state-of-the-art sleek design, spacious suites and high level of service. Each ship features two full decks of 'Panorama suites' sized from 200-300 square feet with wall-to-wall panoramic windows that open to create unique 'open air balconies', the most spacious river cruising on European rivers - 30% larger than the industry standard.  Passengers can look forward to contemporary décor with hand crafted finishes, innovative technologies and well appointed hotel-style accommodation with the highest level of personal service.

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Note to editors:

As a silver medallist at three consecutive Olympics, and World Champion on four occasions, London 2012 was a huge opportunity for Katherine Grainger. Aged 36 she, and her partner Anna Watkins, stormed home to win the Gold medal for Team GB and provide one of the most thrilling moments of the Games.

Alongside rowing Katherine has achieved a Masters in Medical Law and a PhD in Homicide. In presentations, she talks about the challenge of combining academic and sporting careers. She recalls "the mixture of terror, fear, excitement, passion and emotion" at the beginning of a race - and describes the impact the Olympics has had on her life.

Katherine was chosen as one of the five athlete ambassadors for Team GB, responsible for promoting the message and legacy of the Games.

Avalon ships and launch dates:  Avalon Impression, Avalon Poetry II and Avalon Illumination, Avalon Aria and Avalon Isabella (2014); Avalon Artistry II & Avalon Expression (2013); Avalon Vista & Visionary (2012); Avalon Angkor (2012); Avalon Panorama (2011); Avalon Felicity (2010); Avalon Luminary (2010);  Avalon Affinity (2009);  Avalon Creativity (2009);  Avalon Scenery (2008).

For further information or to request a brochure ring Avalon Waterways on 0800 668 1801 or visit www.avaloncruises.co.uk

For further press information or images of Avalon cruise ships please contact:  Helen McNaught at the Avalon UK Press Office on 020 8695 4069 or email hmcnaught@avaloncruises.co.uk