Viking Names Seven Travel Advisors as Godparents of New 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 ships will sail itineraries across Europe and Egypt. Viking Haki, Viking Halogi, Viking Sjofn and Viking Rota will operate on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. Viking Sekhmet and Viking Ptah will sail the Nile, while Viking Fjolvar will operate on the Seine.

Viking will formally name the seven ships during a ceremony in Amsterdam on October 15. The godparents will officially name their respective vessels and welcome them to Viking’s river fleet.

“For nearly 30 years, our travel advisor partners have helped curious travelers explore the world with Viking,” says 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 seven godparents are:

• Shelby Steudle, president of Pavlus Travel, godmother of Viking Fjolvar. Steudle has worked with Viking for more than 20 years and has helped strengthen the relationship between the cruise line and Pavlus Travel.
• Carol Porter, co-owner of The Roaming Boomers, godmother of Viking Haki. Porter and her husband, Dave, have partnered with Viking since 2014 and have grown their business into the top Viking-producing advisor within the Virtuoso network.
• Carol Shaddix, owner of Imagine Going There, godmother of Viking Halogi. Shaddix has built her business around Viking and is now the cruise line’s No. 2 global travel advisor.
• Michael Londregan, senior vice president of global operations at Virtuoso, godfather of Viking Ptah. Londregan has advocated for Viking since the companies began partnering in 2017 and has helped expand the cruise line’s presence within the Virtuoso network in Australia and New Zealand.
• Ealeen Wong, senior director of strategy, partnership and sales at Expedia Cruises, godmother of Viking Rota. Wong has helped develop the relationship between Viking and Expedia Cruises and expand the business in the U.S. and Canada.
• Michael Consoli, owner of Cruise Planners, godfather of Viking Sekhmet. Consoli has partnered with Viking since 2010 and is the company’s top global-producing travel advisor.
• Danielle “Dani” Galloway, global managing director of premium leisure and independents at Flight Centre Travel Group, godmother of Viking Sjofn. Galloway has helped establish Viking as the top cruise line within Travel Associates, Flight Centre’s luxury travel advisor brand.

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