Pavlus President Shelby Steudle Named Godmother of the Viking Fjolvar

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Aug. 28, 2026 — Viking has invited Shelby Steudle, president of Pavlus Travel & Cruise, to serve as godmother of the Viking Fjolvar, one of seven new river ships joining the line’s fleet. The appointment recognizes a partnership between Viking and Pavlus that spans more than 20 years.

The Viking Fjolvar is a new Viking Longship that will sail itineraries on the Seine River in France, cruising between Paris and Normandy. It joins a Viking fleet that now numbers more than 100 ships across rivers, oceans and expedition itineraries. Viking plans to formally name the ship, along with its six sister vessels, at a ceremony in Amsterdam on October 15, where each godparent will officially name their ship and welcome it to the fleet.

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 an impact either in the wider world 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

Two Decades of Partnership

Steudle has spent her career in travel since 1995 and joined Pavlus in 1998, advancing through corporate travel, leisure sales and operations management before being named president in 2022. Over that time she has helped grow one of the largest independently owned luxury travel agencies in the United States, and has personally sailed more than 50 voyages — a number of them with Viking — giving her firsthand knowledge of the product her team sells every day.

Pavlus Travel & Cruise has represented Viking since the line’s early years in the North American market, and today books Viking river, ocean and expedition voyages for thousands of guests annually. In recognizing Steudle, Viking pointed to a relationship of more than 20 years and to the continued growth of the business the two companies have built together.

“This is one of the great honors of my career. I have sailed with Viking many times and have watched this company set the standard for river cruising. To have my name tied to a ship that will carry guests down the Seine for years to come — and to accept that on behalf of everyone at Pavlus who has built this partnership — is something I will never forget.”
— Shelby Steudle, President, Pavlus Travel & Cruise

“Shelby has earned this,” said Craig Pavlus, founder and CEO of Pavlus Travel & Cruise. “She has spent nearly three decades taking care of our guests and our partners, and Viking noticed. For Viking to honor her this way says everything about the partnership our two companies have built, and everyone here is proud of her.”

About the Viking Fjolvar

The Viking Fjolvar is built on Viking’s award-winning Longship design — the light-filled, Scandinavian-inspired layout that reshaped European river cruising, with an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace at the bow, an all-outside-stateroom configuration and the largest suites on Europe’s rivers. 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/.