Albuquerque, N.M. – September 20, 2026 -- Shelby Steudle, president of Pavlus Travel & Cruise, will christen Viking's new river ship, the Viking Fjolvar, at an official ceremony in Amsterdam on October 15. Viking selected Steudle as the vessel's "godmother," a maritime tradition dating back thousands of years meant to bless a ship and protect those who sail aboard it.
Seven new Viking vessels will be named that day in Amsterdam, with Steudle and six other godparents each christening one ship. The 168-passenger Viking Fjolvar will sail Seine River itineraries between Paris and Normandy, while the other new vessels will operate on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers in Europe, and on Egypt's Nile River.
Viking picked travel advisors who built its brand
For this round of new river ships, Viking chose to honor top travel advisors and industry leaders rather than its usual roster of scientists, explorers and cultural figures. Viking cited its more-than-20-year relationship with Pavlus Travel & Cruise in selecting Steudle. She started in the travel industry in 1995, joined Pavlus in 1998, and became the agency's president in 2022.
"This is one of the great honors of my career," Steudle said. "To have my name tied to a ship that will carry guests down the Seine for years to come is something I will never forget."
Viking's river fleet has grown from four ships to the world's largest
Viking began river cruising with four vessels in 1997. The line now operates the world's largest river fleet, sailing rivers across Europe, Egypt, Southeast Asia and the U.S., with new India river cruises planned for 2027.
The Viking Fjolvar features the company's Longship design, a Scandinavian-inspired layout, and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace at the bow. All staterooms are outside-facing, and the ship includes large suites.
Pavlus is previewing its top Seine River experiences
Ahead of the christening, Pavlus is releasing highlights from its "Top 10 Seine River Experiences for Travelers" list, with the full list set to publish on October 15. Featured experiences include night views of the illuminated Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame from the water, visits to Normandy's D-Day beaches and military cemeteries, wine-and-cheese tastings in Paris, oyster sampling in Rouen, and tours of Rouen's medieval Old Town, including Place du Vieux-Marché, where Joan of Arc was executed in 1431.
Consumers interested in booking the Viking Fjolvar or other Viking sailings can contact a Pavlus travel planner at 800-528-9300.