Coral Springs – October 19, 2026 -- Viking has named Michael Consoli, owner of Cruise Planners – Michael Consoli & Associates, godfather of the Viking Sekhmet, an 82-guest Nile river ship that is one of seven new river ships the cruise line is naming this year.

Consoli joined six other travel industry leaders at Viking's naming ceremony in Amsterdam on October 15. The Atlanta-based advisor has been recognized as Viking's No. 1 global-producing travel advisor for 10 consecutive years.

Viking Sekhmet is purpose-built for Egypt's Nile with 41 staterooms

The Viking Sekhmet carries 82 guests in 41 staterooms finished in Viking's Scandinavian design, and includes an indoor-outdoor Aquavit Terrace. It is scheduled to sail Viking's 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary in November 2026, with stops in Cairo, Luxor, the Valley of the Kings and Aswan.

Consoli's Viking relationship dates to 2010 and spans river, ocean and expedition

Consoli began working with Viking in 2010, as river cruising was starting its rapid growth in the North American market. His agency has since introduced thousands of travelers to Viking's river, ocean and expedition products. The source attributes his results to a service-focused approach that has built a large base of repeat clients and referrals, rather than to sales volume alone.

His agency serves thousands of travelers each year. It is also the No. 1 producing franchise in the Cruise Planners network, which the company describes as the nation's largest travel agency franchise network.

Cruise Planners CEO Michelle Fee credits product knowledge and relationships

Michelle Fee, Founder and CEO of Cruise Planners, said Consoli's results show what happens when an advisor knows the product, understands the client and builds strong industry relationships.

Consoli said the naming is one of the greatest honors of his career, and noted that the ship sails the Nile.