TORONTO — The author of the bestselling novel ‘Eat Pray Love’ has been named as the godmother of Avalon Waterways’ Avalon Envision, set to sail on the Danube in 2019.

Gilbert will christen the ship in an international ceremony that will take place on April 7, 2019 in Budapest. Following the ceremony, the 443-foot, 166-passenger Avalon Envision will join an all Suite Ship fleet on the Danube throughout 2019.

Of her godmother duties, Gilbert said: “As somebody who is almost pathologically obsessed with travel and adventure, what could be more fun than being named the godmother of a beautiful riverboat? I’m honoured and delighted to be part of this lovely endeavour.”

Pam Hoffee, managing director of Avalon Waterways, praised the author for encouraging her readers to step outside of their comfort zone.

“An inspired choice as godmother of the Avalon Envision, she has helped us embrace curiosity each day in search of extraordinary. This is something we ask our travellers to do on their journeys across the world with Avalon,” said Hoffee.

With the addition of the Avalon Envision, Avalon’s entire fleet in Europe and Southeast Asia will be comprised completely of Suite Ships for the first time. Each ship features the line’s signature Panorama Suites with the industry’s only Open-Air Balcony, and a bed facing the balcony so guests will never miss out on views. These wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows open almost three metres wide in Europe, and over three metres wide in Southeast Asia, wider than any other balconies in the industry.

Gilbert’s book, ‘Eat Pray Love’, chronicled her solitary journey around the world in search of solace following a difficult divorce. The book became an international bestseller, translated into more than 30 languages with over 10 million copies sold worldwide. In 2010, it became a film starring Julia Roberts, causing ‘Time Magazine’ to name Gilbert as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.