The new ship sets sail this November on the popular luxury cruise line’s Egyptian journey, alongside seven additions to the company’s fleet

ATLANTA, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Michael Consoli, one of the travel industry’s leading cruise and river cruise specialists, has been selected by Viking to serve as godfather of the new Viking Sekhmet, one of seven new river ships release by the company and being named this year.

The honor marks another significant milestone in Consoli’s more than 25-year career in the travel industry. Based in Atlanta, Consoli is the owner of Cruise Planners – Michael Consoli & Associates and has been recognized as Viking’s No. 1 global-producing travel advisor for 10 consecutive years, an achievement that reflects both the extraordinary volume of Viking vacations sold under his agency’s leadership and his longstanding relationship with the cruise line.

On October 15, Consoli will join six other distinguished travel industry leaders in Amsterdam for Viking’s official naming ceremony, where he will become godfather of the Viking Sekhmet.

“River cruising has been such an important part of my career, and Viking has been an incredible partner throughout that journey,” said Consoli. “Being asked to serve as godfather of Viking Sekhmet is one of the greatest honors of my career. I have spent years introducing travelers to Viking and helping them experience the world in a meaningful way. To now have my name forever connected to a Viking ship—particularly one sailing the Nile—is incredibly special.”

Consoli has built one of the most successful travel advisory businesses in the country, with a career centered on personalized service, extensive firsthand travel experience, and deep relationships throughout the cruise and luxury travel industries. His Atlanta-based agency serves thousands of travelers each year and has earned numerous national sales and industry honors.

In addition to being Viking’s top global-producing travel advisor for the past decade, Consoli has become widely recognized for his expertise in river cruising and luxury travel. His success has been driven not simply by sales volume, but by a highly service-focused approach that has generated a large base of repeat clients and referrals.

Consoli’s relationship with Viking dates to 2010, as river cruising was beginning its rapid growth in the North American market. Over the years, he has introduced thousands of travelers to Viking’s river, ocean, and expedition products, and has developed a particularly strong following among travelers seeking highly personalized guidance before, during, and after their journeys.

The ship Consoli will represent in the upcoming ceremony has a particularly meaningful destination. The Viking Sekhmet is an 82-guest river ship purpose-built for sailing Egypt’s Nile River. With 41 staterooms adorned in Viking’s signature Scandinavian design, and an indoor-outdoor Aquavit Terrace, the ship is scheduled to sail Viking’s popular 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary in November 2026. The itinerary explores thousands of years of Egyptian history, with experiences in Cairo, Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, Aswan and other destinations along the Nile.

“To have this connection to a ship that will introduce travelers to the history, culture and beauty of Egypt makes the honor even more meaningful,” Consoli said. “Travel has an extraordinary ability to connect us to places and people, and Egypt is one of those destinations that stays with you long after you return home.”

Consoli operates his agency as part of the Cruise Planners franchise network, where he has also achieved the distinction of becoming the organization’s No. 1 producing franchise owner. His agency has received numerous honors across the cruise and luxury travel industries, reflecting its significant production with Viking and other leading travel brands.

“Michael’s incredible business sense, deep industry knowledge and genuine passion for creating unforgettable experiences for his clients have made him an extraordinary part of the Cruise Planners family,” said Michelle Fee, Founder and CEO of Cruise Planners. “His success demonstrates what can happen when an advisor truly knows the product, understands the client and builds strong relationships throughout the industry. We could not be prouder to see Michael become part of Viking’s history.”

The Viking Sekhmet will be officially named alongside six other new Viking river ships during Viking’s naming ceremony in Amsterdam on October 15.

ABOUT MICHAEL CONSOLI

Michael Consoli is the owner of Cruise Planners – Michael Consoli & Associates, an Atlanta-based travel agency specializing in river cruising, luxury cruising and custom travel experiences. During a career spanning more than 25 years, Consoli has become one of the country’s leading travel advisors and has been recognized as Viking’s No. 1 global-producing travel advisor for 10 consecutive years. His agency is also the No. 1 producing franchise in the Cruise Planners network and has received numerous national awards for cruise, river cruise and luxury travel sales. Cruise Planners- Michael Consoli & Associates is located in Atlanta, Georgia. To book, visit www.planmycruise.com or call (800) 913-7245.

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SOURCE Cruise Planners Franchising, LLC