Pavlus Travel's Shelby Steudle, Newly Named as Godmother of Viking Fjolvar, Preps for Christening and Reveals Viking and Top Seine River Experiences

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pavlus Travel & Cruise's President Shelby Steudle, recently tapped by Viking as "godmother" for the new Viking Fjolvar, is now prepping to christen that 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 and blessing 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," says Steudle. "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."

The maritime tradition of appointing a ceremonial godmother to bless a new ship and protect all who sail aboard her dates back thousands of years. It's evolved over the centuries, and Viking has extended the tradition to include godfathers. The river line reserves the godparent honor for individuals – often scientists, explorers, authors, and cultural figures – who have made an impact either in the wider world or in the life of the company.

Pavlus' Partnership with Viking, Steudle's Career Journey

For its newest river ships, Viking chose to recognize top travel advisors and travel industry leaders who have helped build the brand. In recognizing Steudle, Viking cites its relationship of more than 20 years with Pavlus Travel & Cruise and her important contributions to the partnership. Starting her travel industry career in 1995, Steudle joined Pavlus in 1998, advancing through corporate travel, leisure sales, and operations management to become the luxury agency's 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," says Craig Pavlus, founder and CEO, Pavlus Travel & Cruise. "I'm so proud of her and what she's accomplished for our agency, employee team, valued customers, and industry partners."

During 2026, thousands of travelers have already chosen Pavlus to book their upcoming vacation on one of Viking's 100-plus river, ocean, and expedition ships. Over the years, Steudle has personally sailed on more than 50 ocean and river cruises, many with Viking.

Steudle's Firsthand "Intel" about Viking

"In just three decades, Viking has truly transformed into a powerhouse of global river cruising," emphasizes Steudle. "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. Most notably, the 'new builds' just keep on coming."

On Viking's ocean ships, Steudle appreciates the large staterooms, no casinos, and no kids. For both Viking ocean and river voyages, she cites "great food and very friendly crew members." River-wise, she likes such small touches as placing recipe cards in guests' staterooms/suites on select sailings. "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 explains.

"As for the new 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," says Steudle. Top perks for guests include all-outside staterooms and large suites.

Consumers interested in sailing on the new Viking Fjolvar or any cruise vacation can chat with a Pavlus personal travel planner at 800-528-9300. Current Viking river sailings are also listed on this Pavlus web page.

Pavlus' Top Seine River Experiences for Travelers

In advance of Steudle's christening of the new Seine River vessel, here are several of Pavlus' "Top 10 Seine River Experiences for Travelers," based on firsthand feedback from Steudle and other Pavlus team members and customers. The full list of 10 favorite experiences will be revealed on Viking Fjolvar's christening day, October 15.

• View Paris' Illuminated Eiffel Tower and Sparkling Bridges at Night: "Paris at night truly enchants," Steudle stresses. "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 in German-occupied Western Europe. Casualties were high, but Paris was liberated in August 1944. Deeply moving is to stroll the beaches, tour museums, and pay respects at soldiers' gravesites in local miliary 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 suggests.
  
  
• Explore Rouen's Roman, Medieval and Joan of Arc History: Founded by the Romans, France's fourth largest port city, Rouen's Old Town is home to 700 medieval, half-timbered houses, a Gothic cathedral, and Place du Vieux-Marche, where Joan of Arc was executed in 1431.

For more information on Seine River itineraries, call 800-528-9300 and to learn about "Why Pavlus?," visit https://pavlus.com/why-pavlus/.

About Pavlus Travel & Cruise, Inc.

Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Pavlus Travel & Cruise is one of America's largest independently owned luxury travel agencies and the Number 1 Tauck seller worldwide for more than 20 consecutive years. Representing Viking, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Tauck, and more than 90 other luxury cruise and tour partners, Pavlus is known for high-quality service and for charging no service fees. The agency is led by Founder and CEO Craig Pavlus, a travel industry veteran of more than 55 years and recipient of the Travel Weekly Lifetime Achievement Award. Learn more at https://pavlus.com or call 800-528-9300.

SOURCE Pavlus Travel & Cruise, Inc.