My Avalon Vista Godmother Moment

with Vanessa Lee

It’s not too often a girl of a certain age gets to feel like a princess and a bride all rolled into one. However, that is exactly what happened to me last week in Enkhuizen, Holland as I prepared to christen the Avalon Waterways ship, the gorgeous Avalon Vista. I had been preparing for this moment all my life – just kidding! Actually I have been preparing for it for about 11 months and finally the big day was here. Just like a wedding in fact! The good news is there is no divorce for Vista and Vanessa. We are forever intertwined and I will always be her Godmother – a truly thrilling feeling.

How does one describe such a day? It was many things but mostly exhilarating, magical and incredibly euphoric! And, it was humbling. As many of you know I have a strong sense of self but this occasion really outdid practically everything else in my life. I have never actually experienced the kind of emotion that encompassed me as I read my prepared remarks to the audience standing between the 2 ships – The Vista and her slightly younger and smaller Suite Ship sister the Avalon Visionary.

Having a “godmother in crime” partner in the really lovely Nicole Mazza made the experience even better. It was fun to share the moment with her and also to have someone else who understood the emotions, nerves and excitement that was coursing through me. The ceremony was fabulous. From all the speeches by Avalon’s Managing Director, Patrick Clark and other key executives to Globus family of brands Managing Director, Canada, Stephanie Bishop, who was exceedingly kind in her remarks about me. And, I must, yet again thank her and her team of Patrice Geske, Kim Clarke and Martha Chapman for affording me this honour. Bribery does pay off!

Avalon made history with their 1st dual christening, so it was nice to be a part of that too. Nicole’s ship won the coin toss to see who would go 1st and as her bottle of champagne exploded against the Visionary’s hull, the audience roared their approval (and relief!) and the ship’s horn blasted.

Then it was my turn: I have to say I felt completely calm and in control. I had no doubts all would go well and as I stepped up to the microphone I had goose bumps and an absolutely wonderful feeling. To see all those faces staring at me, people snapping photographs and the crew on deck watching me to ensure I did the right thing – well it was simply remarkable. I think the whole thing is imprinted on my mind forever more.

The Vista’s Captain Henk Schoustra, with whom I had bonded enormously during the week, handed me the bottle of Moet. As I grabbed it, he held onto me since I had to reach up and lean out off the pier to swing that bottle of bubbly with all my might. I was not going to have anything but a huge smashing successful burst of champagne on my ship. Tradition and superstition requires the bottle to be smashed to smitherines to ensure the safe passage of the ship and all who sail on her.

And then – huge joy, smiles and hugs all around and the most incredible feeling of happiness came over me. I had performed my duty. Now it was time to enjoy the celebration - which was outstanding. Avalon Waterways should be so proud – they really pulled out all the stops – culminating in a fireworks display - one of my favourite things! That really capped off a truly amazing day.

To be able to represent Canada as the Godmother (and also to a degree Britain and Australia as I am British born and lived in Oz for a while) was also super. The Brits and Aussies asked if they could also adopt me as their godmother. What a fun added bonus! It must have been the big hat that won over the Brits and my slight Aussie accent must have appealed to the lads from downunder.

I am such a fortunate woman and I felt the Gods were smiling upon me… and tickling me just a bit!