LOS ANGELES — Viking is honouring seven of its travel advisor partners by naming them godparents of seven new river ships joining its fleet this fall.

The maritime tradition of appointing a ceremonial godmother for each new ship dates back thousands of years. Viking has adapted this custom to include godfathers as a way to recognize the advisors’ longstanding partnership with the company and their contributions to the travel industry.

“For nearly 30 years, our travel advisor partners have helped curious travellers explore the world with Viking,” said 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.”

Among those selected is Vancouver-based Ealeen Wong, Senior Director, Strategy, Partnership and Sales, Expedia Cruises, who will serve as godmother of Viking Rota. 

The other advisors include: Shelby Steudle, President of Pavlus Travel, who will serve as godmother of the Viking Fjolvar; Carol Porter, Co-Owner of The Roaming Boomers, who will serve as godmother of the Viking Haki; Carol Shaddix, Owner of Imagine Going There, who will serve as godmother of the Viking Halogi; Michael Londregan, Senior Vice President, Global Operations at Virtuoso, who will serve as godfather of the Viking Ptah; Michael Consoli, Owner of Cruise Planners, who will serve as godfather of the Viking Sekhmet; and Danielle “Dani” Galloway, Global Managing Director, Premium Leisure and Independents at Flight Centre Travel Group, who will serve as godmother of the Viking Sjofn. 

Of the seven new river ships, the Viking Haki, Viking Halogi, Viking Sjofn and Viking Rota will sail Viking’s most popular itineraries along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. The Viking Sekhmet and Viking Ptah will sail the Nile River while Viking Fjolvar will sail itineraries on the Seine. 

The seven godparents will officially name their respective ships and welcome them into Viking’s river fleet during an Oct. 15 ceremony in Amsterdam.

Lead image caption: The Viking Osiris on the Nile River in Egypt — Credit Viking