Viking has named 7 new river ships during a simultaneous ceremony centred in Amsterdam and virtually connected to locations across Europe and Egypt. The event recognised seven travel advisors and industry leaders appointed as godparents in acknowledgement of their longstanding partnerships with the company and contributions to its business development.
Four of the new vessels, Viking Haki, Viking Halogi, Viking Sjofn and Viking Rota, will operate on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, serving some of Viking’s most popular itineraries. On the Nile, Viking Ptah is already assigned to operations, while Viking Sekhmet is scheduled to begin sailing in 2027. The seventh vessel, Viking Fjolvar, will operate on the Seine.
Viking President and Chief Executive Officer Leah Talactac said the naming ceremony reflected the company’s longstanding focus on river travel and cultural exploration. She also highlighted the importance of the travel advisor network to Viking’s development, noting that the seven godparents had played significant roles in strengthening the company’s commercial relationships and supporting its growth.
The ceremony followed Viking’s adaptation of the maritime tradition of ship naming, which has historically centred on the appointment of a godmother. The company also appoints godfathers to recognise individuals who have made notable contributions to the wider industry or to Viking itself. During the event, each godparent offered wishes for the safety and well-being of the passengers and crew aboard the respective vessel.
Shelby Steudle, president of Pavlus Travel, was named godmother of Viking Fjolvar. Her appointment recognised Pavlus Travel’s more than 20-year partnership with Viking and its role in supporting the company’s growth.
Michael Londregan, senior vice president of global markets at Virtuoso, became godfather of Viking Ptah, reflecting his contribution to strengthening Viking’s presence within the Virtuoso network in Australia and New Zealand. Ealeen Wong, senior director of strategy, partnerships and sales for Expedia Group’s global cruise business, was appointed godmother of Viking Rota in recognition of her role in developing the relationship between Viking and Expedia Cruises across the United States and Canada.
Michael Consoli, owner of Cruise Planners, was named godfather of Viking Sekhmet. A Viking partner since 2010, Consoli was recognised as the company’s highest-producing global travel advisor. Carol Porter, co-owner of The Roaming Boomers, became godmother of Viking Haki, reflecting her and her husband’s position as Viking’s leading travel advisors within the Virtuoso network.
Carol Shaddix, owner of Imagine Going There Travel, was appointed godmother of Viking Halogi. Her recognition followed the agency’s growth into Viking’s second-highest-producing travel advisor globally. Danielle “Dani” Galloway, global managing director for luxury and independent travel at Flight Centre Travel Group, became godmother of Viking Sjofn, having helped establish Viking as the leading cruise line within Flight Centre’s Travel Associates brand.
The main ceremony took place in Amsterdam alongside Viking Rota and Viking Haki. Virtual connections linked the event with the five other vessels at three locations in Europe and Egypt. Viking Fjolvar was in Les Andelys, France, while Viking Halogi and Viking Sjofn were in Rostock, Germany. The two Nile vessels, Viking Ptah and Viking Sekhmet, were in Luxor, Egypt.
The simultaneous naming event brought together the seven vessels across Viking’s European and Egyptian river operations, while recognising the travel industry partners who contribute to the company’s distribution network and commercial development.