Seven travel agents will serve as godparents for Viking's new river ships

Viking will have seven travel agents serving as godparents for its new river ships. Selected in recognition of their long-standing relationship with Viking and their contribution to the travel industry, these seven agents represent valuable relationships for the company within the global travel agent community.

Of the seven new river ships, the Viking Haki, Viking Halogi, Viking Sjofn, and Viking Rota will sail on some of Viking’s most popular itineraries along the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers. The Viking Sekhmet and Viking Ptah will sail on the Nile River, while the Viking Fjolvar will operate itineraries on the Seine River. These ships will join Viking’s award-winning fleet, which consists of more than 100 vessels.

“For nearly 30 years, travel agents have helped curious travelers discover the world with Viking,” said Leah Talactac, president and CEO of Viking. “These seven individuals represent the strength of the relationships we’ve built over so many years, and we’re proud to honor them as godparents of our new river ships.”

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 designate individuals who have made a lasting impact, whether on the world or on the company’s own 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 driving the business’s continued growth.
• Carol Porter, co-owner of The Roaming Boomers—Godmother of the Viking Haki. A Viking partner since 2014, Carol and her husband, Dave, have turned their travel services business into the number one Viking advisors within the Virtuoso network.
• Carol Shaddix, owner of Imagine Going There – Godmother of the Viking Halogi. A staunch advocate of Viking for many years, Carol has built her business with a special focus on the company and has become Viking’s second-ranked travel consultant worldwide.
• Michael Londregan, Senior Vice President of Global Operations at Virtuoso – Godfather of the Viking Ptah. A staunch advocate for Viking since the partnership began in 2017, Michael has played a key 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 valuable strategic partner, Ealeen has contributed to the development of Viking’s relationship with Expedia Cruises and to the growth of the business in the Canadian and U.S. markets.
• Michael Consoli, owner of Cruise Planners—Godfather of the Viking Sekhmet. Michael is Viking’s top-performing travel advisor worldwide and has maintained a collaborative and supportive relationship with the company since 2010, playing an important 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 long-time advocate for Viking, Dani has been instrumental in helping Viking become the number one cruise line within Travel Associates, Flight Centre Travel Group’s luxury travel advisory brand.

Viking plans to hold the official christening ceremony for its seven new river ships in Amsterdam on October 15. During the ceremony, the godparents will officially name their respective ships and welcome them to Viking’s award-winning river fleet.