LOS ANGELES, 15 October 2026: Viking has named seven new river ships during a simultaneous ceremony in Amsterdam linked virtually with locations across Europe and Egypt, honouring seven travel advisors and industry leaders as godparents.
The new ships comprise Viking Haki, Viking Halogi, Viking Sjofn, Viking Rota, Viking Ptah, Viking Sekhmet and Viking Fjolvar. Four will sail on the Rhine, Main and Danube, while Viking Fjolvar will operate on the Seine. Viking Ptah is operating on the Nile, where Viking Sekhmet is due to begin sailing in 2027.
Viking President and Chief Executive Officer Leah Talactac said: “Throughout history, rivers have inspired exploration, connecting people, cultures and civilizations. For nearly 30 years, Viking has carried forward that spirit of discovery, introducing curious travelers to the world’s most remarkable destinations. As we name our seven newest river ships, we are especially proud to honor travel advisor partners who have been an integral part of our journey.
“It is a privilege to recognize seven of these exceptional partners as godparents in gratitude for their meaningful contributions to Viking’s success.”
Seven travel partners named as godparents
Viking appointed seven travel advisors and industry leaders as godparents to the new river ships.
Shelby Steudle, President of Pavlus Travel, is godmother of Viking Fjolvar. Michael Londregan, Senior Vice President, Global Markets at Virtuoso, is godfather of Viking Ptah, while Ealeen Wong, Senior Director of Strategy, Partnerships & Sales for Expedia Group’s Global Cruise Business, is godmother of Viking Rota.
Michael Consoli, Owner of Cruise Planners, is godfather of Viking Sekhmet. Carol Porter, Co-Owner of The Roaming Boomers, is godmother of Viking Haki, and Carol Shaddix, Owner of Imagine Going There Travel, is godmother of Viking Halogi.
Danielle “Dani” Galloway, Global Managing Director, Luxury and Independent at Flight Centre Travel Group, is godmother of Viking Sjofn.
Viking said the appointments recognise longstanding relationships with the travel advisor community and the contribution of the seven partners to the company.
Ceremony connects four countries
The naming ceremony was hosted in Amsterdam alongside Viking Rota and Viking Haki and linked virtually to the five other ships in three additional countries.
Viking Fjolvar was in Les Andelys, France. Viking Halogi and Viking Sjofn were in Rostock, Germany, while Viking Ptah and Viking Sekhmet were in Luxor, Egypt.
Viking Executive Chairman Torstein Hagen welcomed guests to the ceremony, which included performances by crossover soprano Sissel Kyrkjebø, godmother of Viking Jupiter, and Norwegian violinist Tor Jaran Apold.
New ships deployed across Europe and Egypt
Viking Haki, Viking Halogi, Viking Sjofn and Viking Rota will sail Viking itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.
Viking Fjolvar will operate on the Seine, while Viking Ptah operates on the Nile, while Viking Sekhmet is scheduled to begin sailing on the Nile in 2027.
Viking has adapted the longstanding maritime custom of appointing godmothers to new ships and extended the tradition to include godfathers. The honourees include leading travel advisors and senior executives from major travel networks, reflecting Viking’s relationships across the global travel advisor community.
During the ceremony, each godparent offered wishes for the safety of the guests and crew aboard their respective ship.
Source: Official Press Release from Viking Cruises and Business Wire on 15 October, 2026, Los Angeles.
