Viking Reaches Historic 100-Ship Milestone, Honors Trade Development Leader as Godmother

Viking has achieved a significant milestone in global exploration with the company now operating more than 100 ships across its river, ocean, and expedition fleet. To commemorate 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 in Basel, Switzerland featured one of the most meaningful honors as Michele Saegesser, Viking's Vice President of Trade Development & Training, was named Godmother of the new Viking Honir. The ship's name derives from Norse mythology, where the god Honir was known for wisdom, reflection, and the gift of reason—qualities that reflect Saegesser's decades of dedication to travel advisors and her embodiment of insight, grace, and leadership.

Heather Viking, a dedicated travel advisor at Club Cruise who has aligned her professional name and family agency brand with Viking's values, emphasized the significance of this recognition. "This is such an extraordinary and well-earned honor for Michele Saegesser," she stated. "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."

The celebration highlights Viking's distinctive approach to honoring internal leaders rather than relying on celebrity-driven marketing. Heather Viking noted, "It's refreshing to see Viking celebrate the leaders who shape the guest experience. 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." This philosophy aligns with Viking's positioning as the brand For The Thinking Person.

Viking's founding leadership under Chairman Torstein Hagen has guided the brand with a focus on culture, history, and genuine discovery, revolutionizing river experiences while evolving ocean and expedition travel. Karine Hagen's advancement of Viking's enrichment mission has further solidified why Viking remains the most awarded cruise line globally.

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 the importance of Saegesser's leadership in ensuring advisors are heard, respected, and supported. "Michele's leadership ensures advisors are heard, respected, and supported—so every Viking guest benefits from knowledgeable care from beginning to welcome home," Huber noted. She also observed increasing demand for Viking World Cruises and immersive Asia itineraries across 2026–2027 travel planning.

The celebration included cultural performances highlighting Viking's hallmark of enrichment, while additional industry insights are available on the Club Cruise Blog. Viking's achievement is particularly notable as no other cruise line holds both top river and ocean leadership positions simultaneously, having earned the number one ranking for Oceans and Rivers from Condé Nast Traveler for five consecutive years, along with recognition from Travel + Leisure, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes Travel Guide, and Cruise Critic across seven industry awards.