Viking Names Seven Travel Advisors as Godparents for Soon-to-Launch River Cruise Ships

Viking has named seven top travel advisors and industry leaders as the godparents of seven of its upcoming river cruise ships in a move that celebrates some of its most valued relationships across the global travel advisor community.

“For nearly 30 years, our travel advisor partners have helped curious travelers explore the world with Viking,” said Leah Talactac, president and CEO 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.”  

Viking plans to celebrate the official naming of the seven new river ships during a ceremony in Amsterdam on October 15, 2026.

Seven Travel Advisors for Seven River Cruise Ships

Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel: Steudle has been named the godmother of Viking Fjolvar, which will sail the Seine River. Her relationship with Viking spans more than 20 years.

Carol Porter, co-owner, The Roaming Boomers: Porter will serve as the godmother of Viking Haki. She has been a Viking partner since 2014 and has grown The Roaming Boomers to the number one selling agency of Viking cruises within the Virtuoso network.

Carol Shaddix, owner, Imagine Going There: Shaddix will serve as godmother of the Viking Halogi. She has built her business through a dedicated focus on Viking, becoming Viking’s number two global travel advisor.

Michael Londregan, senior vice president, global operations, Virtuoso: Londregan has been named godfather of the Nile River’s Viking Ptah. He has played a “significant role” in strengthening Viking’s presence within the Virtuoso network across Australia and New Zealand.

Ealeen Wong, senior director, strategy, partnership and sales, Expedia Cruises: Wong will serve as godmother of Viking Rota. She has helped develop Viking’s relationship with Expedia Cruises and strengthen the business across the Canadian and U.S. markets.

Michael Consoli, owner, Cruise Planners: Consoli will serve as godfather of the Viking Sekhmet, which will sail on the Nile River. He has been a dedicated partner to Viking since 2010.

Danielle “Dani” Galloway, global managing director, premium leisure and independents, Flight Centre Travel Group: Galloway has been named godmother of Viking Sjofn. She is one of Australia and New Zealand’s top luxury travel leaders and a longtime advocate for Viking.