LOS ANGELES — Six travel agents including Michelle Chimko, COO of the Alberta Motor Association, are the godmothers of the newest Viking River Cruises ships.

Chimko is the godmother of Viking Alruna, one of half a dozen new Viking Longships christened yesterday during a waterfront celebration in Amsterdam.

Four of the new Longships will be deployed on Viking’s most popular itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers; the remaining two will sail the Seine River on Viking’s Paris and the Heart of Normandy itinerary.

Later this month, Viking will also debut a seventh new river ship for 2016, Viking Osfrid, which is inspired by the Longships design and specifically built for the Douro River, bringing the company’s total number of ships in Portugal to three.

“River cruising remains one of the fastest-growing segments of travel, and we would not be the leading river cruise line without the help of travel agents,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises. “The naming of ships by ceremonial godmothers is a naval tradition that dates back thousands of years. The partners we have chosen to name our newest ships are experts in their field, and as Viking has marketed the concept of river cruises over the last two decades, they have always recognized our value in the industry. We are honored to have their support and their participation in this year’s celebration.”

The women who will serve as Viking Longship godmothers represent travel trade organizations from across North America and the United Kingdom, he added.

Viking Longships feature the all-weather indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace with retractable floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Guests to enjoy the views and dine al fresco no matter what the weather. Accommodating 190 passengers in 95 staterooms, Viking Longships also have a patented layout that allows for two Explorer Suites – the largest river cruise suites in Europe – as well as seven two-room Veranda Suites with a full-size veranda in the living room and a French balcony in the bedroom; 39 Veranda Staterooms with full-size verandas; and 22 French Balcony Staterooms. Staterooms include comfortable amenities such as hotel-style beds, heated bathroom floors, mini fridge, and both U.S. and EU outlets.

For more information see vikingcruises.com.