Pavlus President Shelby Steudle Named Godmother of the Viking Fjolvar

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Sept. 18, 2026 — Pavlus Travel & Cruise President Shelby Steudle has been selected by Viking as godmother of the new Viking Fjolvar and will christen the ship at Viking’s official ceremony in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, on October 15. Seven new Viking vessels will be named that day, with Steudle and six other godparents each christening one ship.

The 168-passenger Viking Fjolvar will sail Seine River itineraries between Paris and Normandy in France. The other new river vessels will sail the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers of Europe, or Egypt’s Nile River.

“This is one of the great honors of my career. 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.”
— Shelby Steudle, President, Pavlus Travel & Cruise

A Maritime Tradition

The custom of appointing a ceremonial godmother to bless a new ship and protect all who sail aboard her dates back thousands of years. Viking has extended the tradition to include godfathers, and reserves the honor for individuals who have made a significant impact in their fields or in the life of the company — a list that has previously included scientists, explorers, authors and cultural figures. For its newest river ships, Viking chose to recognize the travel advisors and industry leaders who have helped build the brand.

“For nearly 30 years, our travel advisor partners have helped curious travelers explore the world with Viking. These seven individuals represent the strength of those longstanding relationships, and we are proud to honor them as godparents of our newest river ships.”
— Leah Talactac, President and Chief Executive Officer, Viking

Pavlus’ Partnership with Viking, and Steudle’s Career Journey

Viking selected top travel advisors and industry leaders for godparent roles on its newest river ships, and recognized Steudle for a partnership with Pavlus Travel & Cruise that spans more than 20 years. Steudle began her travel industry career in 1995 and joined Pavlus in 1998, advancing through a range of roles before being named president in 2022.

“Over the years, Steudle has helped grow Pavlus to one of the largest independent travel agencies in the U.S. by working closely with Viking and other top luxury travel suppliers. I’m so proud of her and what she’s accomplished for our agency, employee team, valued customers, and industry partners.”
— Craig Pavlus, Founder and CEO, Pavlus Travel & Cruise

During 2026, thousands of travelers have booked Pavlus for upcoming vacations on Viking’s 100-plus river, ocean and expedition ships. Steudle has personally sailed on more than 50 ocean and river cruises, many of them with Viking, giving her firsthand knowledge of the product her team sells every day.

Steudle’s Firsthand “Intel” About Viking

“In just three decades, Viking has truly transformed into a powerhouse of global river cruising,” Steudle said. “Starting river cruising with just four vessels in 1997, the line expanded rapidly. Today, Viking sails with the world’s largest river fleet; takes guests along the rivers of Europe, Egypt, Southeast Asia, and the U.S.; and will add enticing new India river cruises in 2027.”

On Viking’s ocean ships, Steudle appreciates the large staterooms, no casinos and no children. For both Viking ocean and river voyages, she highlights “great food and very friendly crew members.” River-wise, she values small touches like the recipe cards left in guest staterooms.

“During my Rhine River cruise on Viking Kvasir, I loved a delicious mushroom pasta they made for guests, so I try to replicate that at home,” she explained.

About the Viking Fjolvar

“It’s been built with Viking’s award-winning Longship design, a light-filled, Scandinavian-inspired layout, and Viking’s popular indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace at the bow,” Steudle noted. Top perks include all-outside staterooms and large suites. Guests sailing the Seine call at Paris, Normandy’s D-Day beaches, Rouen, Vernon for Monet’s gardens at Giverny, and Les Andelys.

Travelers interested in sailing the Viking Fjolvar or any Viking river itinerary can reach a Pavlus personal travel planner at 800-528-9300 or view current Viking sailings at https://pavlus.com/river-cruises/viking-river-cruise/.

Pavlus’ Top Seine River Experiences for Travelers

In advance of Steudle’s christening, here are several of Pavlus’ “Top 10 Seine River Experiences for Travelers,” based on firsthand feedback:

View Paris’ Illuminated Eiffel Tower and Sparkling Bridges at Night

“Paris at night truly enchants,” Steudle stressed. “Board a small boat for an hour or two, and gaze at the illuminated Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, bridges, and more. Or since Viking’s exclusive river docking location isn’t far from the Eiffel Tower, guests might simply relax onboard to savor the sparkling views. Either way, it’s unforgettable.”

Honor D-Day’s World War II Heroes

On D-Day, June 6, 1944, Allied military forces stormed ashore at Normandy’s beaches. Casualties were high, but Paris was liberated in August 1944. Visitors can stroll the beaches, tour museums, and pay respects at soldiers’ gravesites in local military cemeteries.

Head Out to Savor the Tastes of France

“Pavlus’ Seine River cruise guests might enjoy wine-and-cheese tastings with a sommelier at a Parisian wine bar; savoring fresh oysters in Rouen; or a farm visit to view apple orchards, and sample cider and local cheeses,” Steudle suggested.

Explore Rouen’s Roman, Medieval and Joan of Arc History

Founded by the Romans, France’s fourth largest port city features an Old Town with 700 medieval, half-timbered houses, a Gothic cathedral, and Place du Vieux-Marché, where Joan of Arc was executed in 1431.

For more information on Seine River itineraries, call 800-528-9300.