Viking Reaches Historic 100-Ship Milestone with Global Naming Ceremony Honoring Trade Development Leader

Viking has reached a historic milestone in global exploration with the company now sailing more than 100 ships across its river, ocean, and expedition fleet. To mark this achievement, Viking hosted a global naming celebration spanning six countries, officially welcoming nine new river ships with distinguished godparents representing Viking's extended family. The ceremony highlighted the company's growth and commitment to its partnership network.

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. Widely admired for her decades of dedication to travel advisors, Saegesser continues to shape Viking's world-leading reputation through mentorship, education, and steadfast support for partners.

Heather Viking, a dedicated Viking travel advisor at Club Cruise™, emphasized the significance of this recognition. Her leadership inspires travel advisors every day, helping us grow, serve guests with confidence, and strengthen Viking's place as the number one River and Ocean Cruise brand. This celebration reflects Viking's commitment to honoring the leaders who shape the guest experience rather than relying on celebrity-driven marketing.

Viking Founder and 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 with Godmother Michelle Patterson, Viking Dagur with Godmother Sara Conley, Viking Eldir with Godmother Yumi Kim, Viking Nerthus with Godmother Allison Becker, Viking Gyda with Godmother Chitra Goswami, Viking Tonle with Godmother Laura Perlman, Viking Thoth with Godfather Youssef Fouad Amin, and Viking Amun with Godfather Sherif El Banna.

Amanda Huber, CEO of Club Cruise™ and internationally recognized luxury cruise expert, emphasized how 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. Additional insights are available on the Club Cruise™ Blog.

Viking's achievement of operating more than 100 ships represents significant growth in the cruise industry and reinforces the company's position as the only cruise line holding both top river and ocean leadership simultaneously. The company has earned more than 450 awards for its river, ocean, and expedition offerings, including number one for Oceans and number one for Rivers from Condé Nast Traveler for five years running, World's Best from Travel + Leisure, top rankings from U.S. News & World Report, Forbes Travel Guide recommendations for luxury ocean ships, and seven industry awards from Cruise Critic across river, ocean, and expedition categories.