Viking Names Seven New River Ships in Amsterdam Ceremony

Viking named seven new river ships on October 15, 2026, in an Amsterdam ceremony connected by video to vessels elsewhere in Europe and Egypt, selecting seven travel advisors and industry executives as godparents. Viking Rota and Viking Haki were docked at the Amsterdam event, hosted by Executive Chairman Torstein Hagen.

The godparents range from individual agency owners to executives at international travel groups. Viking has broadened the traditional godmother designation to include godfathers and others who have contributed to the company’s development.

“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,” said Leah Talactac, Viking’s president and chief executive officer.

Agency owners and distribution partners receive honors

Michael Consoli, owner of the Atlanta-based Cruise Planners–Michael Consoli & Associates franchise, became godfather of Viking Sekhmet. He has been Viking’s highest-producing travel advisor worldwide for 10 consecutive years, and his relationship with the line dates to 2010.

“Being asked to serve as godfather of Viking Sekhmet is one of the greatest honors of my career,” Consoli said.

Two other agency owners received appointments tied to their sales performance. Carol Shaddix, owner of Imagine Going There Travel and Viking’s second-highest producer globally, became godmother of Viking Halogi. Carol Porter, co-owner of The Roaming Boomers and Viking’s leading seller within Virtuoso, was named godmother of Viking Haki.

Shelby Steudle, president of Pavlus Travel, became godmother of Viking Fjolvar. Pavlus has worked with Viking for more than 20 years.

The appointments also included executives from three distribution partners. Michael Londregan, Virtuoso’s senior vice president of global markets, became godfather of Viking Ptah. Ealeen Wong, senior director of strategy, partnerships and sales for Expedia Group’s Global Cruise Business, was named godmother of Viking Rota.

Danielle “Dani” Galloway, Flight Centre Travel Group’s global managing director for luxury and independent, became godmother of Viking Sjofn. Galloway and Londregan are the first Australians appointed as godparents of Viking ships.

Each godparent offered wishes for the safety of passengers and crew during the ceremony. Other vessels participated from Les Andelys in France, Rostock in Germany and Luxor in Egypt. Performers included violinist Tor Jaran Apold and soprano Sissel Kyrkjebo, who is also godmother of the ocean ship Viking Jupiter.

Ships assigned to European rivers and Egypt

Viking Haki, Viking Halogi, Viking Sjofn and Viking Rota are assigned to itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube. The 190-guest Viking Sjofn has 95 outside staterooms, including suites with separate living and sleeping areas, and an indoor-outdoor Aquavit Terrace.

Viking Fjolvar is assigned to the Seine. The 168-guest ship was built by Neptun Werft in Germany, and its customized hull and hybrid propulsion system were designed for the river’s navigational constraints.

Viking Ptah operates on the Nile with capacity for 82 guests and 48 crew. Its 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids program begins and ends in Cairo and includes visits to ancient Egyptian sites and the pyramids of Giza.

Viking Sekhmet is scheduled to begin Nile operations in 2027. The 82-guest vessel will also sail the Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, with destinations including Luxor, the Valley of the Kings and Aswan.