SACRAMENTO, CA, October 28, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- 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.

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.

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.

Why Travel Advisors Celebrate This Moment

"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™." — Heather Viking

Vision from Viking's Founding Leadership

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

Europe
• Viking Annar – Godmother: Michelle Patterson
• Viking Dagur – Godmother: Sara Conley
• Viking Eldir – Godmother: Yumi Kim
• Viking Honir – Godmother: Michele Saegesser
• Viking Nerthus – Godmother: Allison Becker

Portugal
• Viking Gyda – Godmother: Chitra Goswami

Asia
• Viking Tonle – Godmother: Laura Perlman
• Viking Thoth – Godfather: Youssef Fouad Amin
• Viking Amun – Godfather: Sherif El Banna

Guests enjoyed cultural performances highlighting Viking's hallmark of enrichment.

Club Cruise™: Elevating the Viking Guest Experience
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.

A New Generation Rising with Viking

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.

Follow Heather Viking's journey as she learns directly from the leaders who built Viking into the world's most awarded cruise line — and as she brings those insights home through Club Cruise™ for every future Viking guest.

Viking: The Most Awarded Cruise Line

• #1 for Oceans & #1 for Rivers — Condé Nast Traveler (five years running)
• World's Best — Travel + Leisure
• Top Rankings — U.S. News & World Report
• Forbes Travel Guide — Recommended Luxury Ocean Ships
• Cruise Critic — Seven industry awards across river, ocean, expedition

Additional insights available on the Club Cruise™ Blog: www.ClubCruise.com/viking-river-blog

No other cruise line holds both top river and ocean leadership simultaneously.

Help Plan My Viking Journey :
Contact Heather Viking, Club Cruise™ — We navigate you through beginning to welcome home.
Call 1-800-CLUB-SEA
Visit: www.ClubCruise.com/heatherviking

About Viking

Viking® is a leader in experiential travel with more than 100 ships exploring 21 rivers, five oceans, and all seven continents. Designed For The Thinking Person™, Viking has earned more than 450 awards for its river, ocean, and expedition offerings. Learn more at www.Viking.com.

About Club Cruise™
Founded in 1991, Club Cruise™ is a trusted, luxury-focused travel agency headquartered in Northern California, specializing in Viking® River, Ocean, Expedition, and World Cruise planning Learn more at www.ClubCruise.com.

Legal Notice
This independent editorial release is authorized for distribution by Club Cruise™. Viking® and My Viking Journey® are registered trademarks of Viking and/or its affiliates. Club Cruise™ is independently owned and authorized to sell Viking cruises and is not owned by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Viking beyond that relationship. For official Viking information, visit Viking.com.

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