Viking has picked seven travel advisors to serve as godparents of its newest river ships.
In a press release, the company noted that the advisors were selected in recognition of their longstanding partnership with Viking and contributions to the travel industry.
The official naming ceremony for the seven new river ships will be held in Amsterdam on October 15.
“For nearly 30 years, our travel advisor partners have helped curious travelers explore the world with Viking,” said Leah Talactac, president and chief executive officer of Viking.
“These seven individuals represent the strength of those longstanding relationships, and we are proud to honor them as godparents of our newest river ships.”
The godparents are as follows:
- Viking Fjolvar: Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel – Collaborating with Viking for over 20 years, Steudle has helped strengthen the bond between Viking and Pavlus Travel while driving continued business growth.
- Viking Haki: Carol Porter, co-owner, The Roaming Boomers – A Viking partner since 2014, Porter and her husband have grown their travel services business into the number one advisor for Viking within the Virtuoso network.
- Viking Halogi: Carol Shaddix, owner, Imagine Going There – Viking’s number two global travel advisor who has built her business through a dedicated focus on Viking.
- Viking Ptah: Michael Londregan, SVP, global operations, Virtuoso – A Viking partner since 2017, who played a significant role in strengthening the company’s presence within the Virtuoso network across Australia and New Zealand.
- Viking Rota: Ealeen Wong, senior director, strategy, partnership and sales, Expedia Cruises – Wong has helped develop Viking’s relationship with Expedia Cruises and strengthen the business across the Canadian and U.S. markets.
- Viking Sekhmet: Michael Consoli, owner, Cruise Planners – Viking’s number one global producing travel advisor, and a partner since 2010, playing an important role in the company’s growth over the past 15 years.
- Viking Sjofn: Danielle “Dani” Galloway, global managing director, premium leisure and independents, Flight Centre Travel Group – Longtime advocate for Viking in Australia and New Zealand, instrumental in helping Viking become the number one cruise line within Flight Centre Travel Group’s luxury travel advisor brand, Travel Associates.
Of the seven new river ships, the Viking Haki, Halogi, Sjofn and Rota will sail itineraries along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.
The Viking Ptah, which was recently delivered to Viking, and Sekhmet will sail the Nile River, debuting in September and November 2026, respectively.
The Viking Fjolvar, delivered to Viking in June, will sail itineraries on the Seine River.
