Viking will have seven travel agents serving as godparents for its new river cruise ships. Selected in recognition of their long-standing relationship with Viking and their contributions to the tourism industry, these seven agents represent valuable relationships for the company within the global travel agent community.
Of the seven new river ships, Viking Haki, Viking Halogi, Viking Sjofn, and Viking Rota will sail some of Viking's most popular itineraries along the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers. Viking Sekhmet and Viking Ptah will sail the Nile, while Viking Fjolvar will operate itineraries on the Seine. These ships will join Viking's award-winning fleet of more than 100 vessels.
“For nearly 30 years, travel agents have helped curious travelers discover the world with Viking,” said Leah Talactac, Viking’s president and CEO. “These seven individuals represent the strength of those relationships built over so many years, and we are proud to honor them as godparents of our newest riverboats.”.
The maritime tradition of naming a ceremonial godmother for each new ship dates back thousands of years. Viking has adapted this custom and expanded it to include godfathers as well. Viking's tradition is to appoint individuals who have made a significant impact, either on the world or on the company's history. For its new ships, the company has invited the following travel advisory partners to serve as godfathers:
- Shelby Steudle, President of Pavlus Travel – Godmother of the Viking Fjolvar. A valued partner whose relationship with Viking dates back more than 20 years, Shelby has helped strengthen the historic bond between Viking and Pavlus Travel, while also driving the continued growth of the business.
- Carol Porter, co-owner of The Roaming Boomers – Godmother of Viking Haki. A Viking partner since 2014, Carol and her husband, Dave, have turned their travel services business into Viking's number 1 advisors within the Virtuoso network.
- Carol Shaddix, owner of Imagine Going There – Godmother of the Viking Halogi. A staunch supporter of Viking for many years, Carol has built her business with a special focus on the company and has become Viking's second travel advisor worldwide.
- Michael Londregan, Senior Vice President of Global Operations at Virtuoso – Godfather of the Viking Ptah. A staunch supporter of Viking since the beginning of the collaboration in 2017, Michael has played a significant role in strengthening Viking's presence within the Virtuoso network in Australia and New Zealand.
- Ealeen Wong, Senior Director of Strategy, Partnerships and Sales at Expedia Cruises – Godmother of the Viking Rota. A highly valued strategic partner, Ealeen has contributed to the development of Viking's relationship with Expedia Cruises and to strengthening the business in the Canadian and US markets.
- Michael Consoli, owner of Cruise Planners – Godfather of the Viking Sekhmet. Michael is Viking's highest-grossing travel advisor worldwide and has maintained a collaborative and supportive relationship with the company since 2010, playing a significant role in Viking's growth over the past 15 years.
- Danielle “Dani” Galloway, Global Managing Director of Premium Leisure and Independents at Flight Centre Travel Group – Godmother of the Viking Sjofn. One of the most respected leaders in the luxury travel industry in Australia and New Zealand and a longtime supporter of Viking, Dani has been instrumental in helping Viking become the number one cruise line within Flight Centre Travel Group’s luxury travel advisory brand, Travel Associates.
Viking plans to hold the official christening ceremony for its seven new riverboats in Amsterdam on October 15. During the ceremony, the godparents will officially name their respective vessels and welcome them to Viking's award-winning river fleet.
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