After more than 40 years in the travel industry, Michele Saegesser, vice president of sales and national accounts for Viking, is retiring.
Here, Saegesser discusses her storied career and reflects on what it has all meant to her.
What are the biggest changes you’ve seen in the cruise industry overall and at Viking, specifically, during your career?
I’m old school. Forty-five years ago, I never thought I would see all the amazing changes. My first cruise line was Princess [Cruises], back on the real “Love Boat.” I am proud of my Julie McCoy days. What a brilliant move for Princess to take on that show and the huge changes it made for growing awareness of cruising and growing generational business.
Everything has changed, from the dress codes to the level of services offered. And the great change is there is something for everybody and every budget, which wasn’t always the case.
Everything has changed, from the dress codes to the level of services offered. And the great change is there is something for everybody and every budget, which wasn’t always the case.
Viking was no different in the brilliant move to embrace “Downton Abbey.” It put river cruising on the map in a way no one really could ever envision. Television and movies have helped change cruising so much by opening destinations to the world, and opening minds to go there.
During your time at Viking, of what are you most proud of?
So many things to be proud of, from changing the definition of river cruising, to new types of ships, to the adventures that can be had.
But if I had to pick just one moment I will never forget, it is May 1, 2024. [It was] the day all “Vikings” stood together at the New York Stock Exchange and watched [Viking chairman and CEO] Tor[stein Hagen] ring the bell as [the company] went public. There has never been such pride in a job well-done; in a man who led us down a path that very few ever get to journey on.
Earlier in the day, Tor addressed the Vikings from all over the world who were in attendance. I swear he was only talking to me. I just couldn’t stop the tears of pride as he thanked all of us for the years of hard work and support. It’s a day I will never forget, and a journey I am forever grateful to have been a part of.
Saegesser was given a Leadership Award at TravelAge West's 2023 WAVE Awards.
Credit: 2023 Crystal DimondWhat do you foresee for the future for Viking, and travel in general, in the future?
I leave the next generation of Viking to two colleagues and friends who I have worked with for close to 15 years, each. They know and embrace the importance of the trade and the future of growing new-to-industry [travel] advisors. I am very excited to see their fingerprints on new Viking programs and technology.
Travel, in general, is so exciting. I love experiential travel and how is it evolving. I have often said, “I have been around the world, but I have seen nothing.”
All I have done is work, and now I am looking forward to those experiences and being a “guest of the world.”
All I have done is work, and now I am looking forward to those experiences and being a “guest of the world.”
Do you have any final message you’d like to leave with the travel advisor community?
Ahh, can there ever be a final anything out of me? I always seem to have something to say!
To this wonderful, amazing industry: Keep opening people’s eyes. Introduce them to new and fascinating discoveries. Never give up on what we bring to people’s lives. Remain forever teachable.
It is still not real to me that I won’t be at a conference, or on a stage. I can never thank all of you enough for the many years of support and belief in me, and the great companies I have had the privilege of being a part of. You make a difference, and you have made a difference in my life. [I am] forever grateful.
