Viking names seven travel leaders godparents of newest river ships

Viking has named seven travel advisors and industry leaders as godparents of its newest river ships, recognizing their longstanding partnerships with the cruise line and contributions to the travel industry.

The seven new vessels will expand Viking’s river fleet across Europe and Egypt, with an official naming ceremony scheduled to take place in Amsterdam on Oct. 15.

"For nearly 30 years, our travel advisor partners have helped curious travellers explore the world with Viking," said Leah Talactac, president and CEO of Viking, in a press release. “These seven individuals represent the strength of those longstanding relationships, and we are proud to honour them as godparents of our newest river ships.”

Four of the new vessels – the Viking Haki, Viking Halogi, Viking Sjofn and Viking Rota – will sail Viking itineraries along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.

The Viking Sekhmet and Viking Ptah will operate on the Nile River, while the Viking Fjolvar will sail itineraries on France’s Seine River.

The additions will join Viking’s fleet of more than 100 ships.

Travel trade takes centre stage

Viking’s seven godparents represent travel companies and organizations across North America, Australia and New Zealand.

Shelby Steudle, president of Pavlus Travel, has been named godmother of the Viking Fjolvar.

Her company’s relationship with Viking spans more than 20 years, during which she has helped grow the partnership between the two companies.

Carol Porter, co-owner of The Roaming Boomers, will serve as godmother of the Viking Haki. Porter and her husband, Dave, have partnered with Viking since 2014 and have grown their travel services business to become Viking’s top advisors within the Virtuoso network.

Carol Shaddix, owner of Imagine Going There, has been named godmother of the Viking Halogi. A longtime supporter of the cruise line, Shaddix has built her business with a strong focus on Viking and is now the company’s No. 2 global travel advisor.

Michael Londregan, senior vice-president of global operations at Virtuoso, will serve as godfather of the Viking Ptah. A Viking advocate since the companies began working together in 2017, Londregan has helped strengthen the cruise line’s presence within the Virtuoso network in Australia and New Zealand.

Canadian and U.S. markets are represented by Ealeen Wong, senior director of strategy, partnership and sales at Expedia Cruises, who has been named godmother of the Viking Rota.

Wong has played a role in developing Viking’s relationship with Expedia Cruises and growing the partnership on both sides of the border.

Michael Consoli, owner of Cruise Planners, will become godfather of the Viking Sekhmet. Viking identifies Consoli as its No. 1 global producing travel advisor. He has partnered with and advocated for the company since 2010.

Rounding out the group is Danielle “Dani” Galloway, global managing director, premium leisure and independents at Flight Centre Travel Group, who will serve as godmother of the Viking Sjofn.

Galloway, a longtime Viking advocate and luxury travel leader in Australia and New Zealand, has helped Viking become the top cruise line within Flight Centre Travel Group’s luxury travel advisor brand, Travel Associates.

Amsterdam naming ceremony

The maritime tradition of appointing ceremonial godmothers to new ships stretches back thousands of years.

Viking has adapted the custom to also include godfathers and traditionally selects people who have made an impact on the world or on Viking itself.

All seven godparents will gather in Amsterdam on Oct. 15 for the official naming ceremony.

During the event, each will formally name their respective ship and welcome the vessels into Viking’s river fleet.

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