Viking has reached a historic milestone in global exploration: the company now sails more than 100 ships across its river, ocean, and expedition fleet. To mark the achievement, Viking hosted a global naming celebration spanning six countries, officially welcoming nine new river ships — each with a distinguished godparent representing Viking's extended family.
One of the most meaningful moments was the honor bestowed upon Michele Saegesser, Viking's Vice President of Trade Development & Training, who was named Godmother of the new Viking Honir during a ceremony in Basel, Switzerland. The name "Honir" comes from Norse mythology, where the god Honir was known for wisdom, reflection, and the gift of reason—helping to bestow intelligence upon the first humans. It's a fitting name for a ship whose godmother embodies those same traits of insight, grace, and leadership. Widely admired for her decades of dedication to travel advisors, Michele continues to shape Viking's world-leading reputation through mentorship, education, and steadfast support for partners.
"This is such an extraordinary and well-earned honor for Michele Saegesser," said Heather Viking, a dedicated Viking travel advisor at Club Cruise™ who has proudly aligned her own professional name and family agency brand with Viking's values of cultural discovery and trusted services. "Her leadership inspires travel advisors every day — helping us grow, serve guests with confidence, and strengthen Viking's place as the #1 River and Ocean Cruise brand," adds Heather.
From the perspective of travel advisors, Michele Saegesser has long been one of Viking's most trusted champions — ensuring advisors have the tools, knowledge, and partnership they need to guide guests confidently on every Viking voyage. "It's refreshing to see Viking celebrate the leaders who shape the guest experience — not celebrity driven marketing. That's what loyalty looks like. And that's why advisors like me honor Michele and the Viking leaders who believe so strongly in this mission. That is real loyalty — and exactly why I proudly tie my name, my reputation, and my future to Viking, the brand For The Thinking Person™," said Heather Viking.
Viking Founder & Chairman Torstein Hagen has guided the brand with a focus on culture, history, and genuine discovery — revolutionizing the river experience and evolving ocean and expedition travel. His leadership, along with Karine Hagen advancing Viking's enrichment mission, continues to shape why Viking is the most awarded cruise line in the world.
The newly named river ships include: Viking Annar (godmother Michelle Patterson), Viking Dagur (Sara Conley), Viking Eldir (Yumi Kim), Viking Honir (Michele Saegesser), Viking Nerthus (Allison Becker) in Europe; Viking Gyda (Chitra Goswami) in Portugal; Viking Tonle (Laura Perlman) in Asia; and Viking Thoth (Youssef Fouad Amin) and Viking Amun (Sherif El Banna). Guests enjoyed cultural performances highlighting Viking's hallmark of enrichment.
Amanda Huber, CEO of Club Cruise™ and internationally recognized luxury cruise expert, emphasized: "Michele's leadership ensures advisors are heard, respected, and supported — so every Viking guest benefits from knowledgeable care from beginning to welcome home." She notes that demand for Viking World Cruises and immersive Asia itineraries continues to rise across 2026–2027 travel planning.
Later this week, Heather and Amanda will join Viking Senior Executive Michele Saegesser aboard the Viking Yi Dun for the Jewels of Japan & China Ocean Executive Training Retreat—an Epic Asia journey designed to strengthen expertise, deepen destination knowledge, and enhance media coverage for future Viking travelers. Additional insights are available on the Club Cruise™ Blog at www.ClubCruise.com/viking-river-blog.
Viking has been recognized as #1 for Oceans and #1 for Rivers by Condé Nast Traveler for five years running, World's Best by Travel + Leisure, and top rankings from U.S. News & World Report. The company also earned Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Luxury Ocean Ships and seven industry awards from Cruise Critic across river, ocean, and expedition. No other cruise line holds both top river and ocean leadership simultaneously.
