With vice president of sales and national accounts Michele Saegesser departing Viking, the company has promoted Erik De La Cruz and Mike Eng.
Erik De La Cruz
De La Cruz is now managing Viking's North American sales team, inside sales team and groups department. Viking praised his role in the company's growth in strategic partnerships over the past 15 years.
Mike Eng was promoted to lead the river cruise line's national accounts partnerships, trade marketing, technology and reporting. Eng has worked with Viking for 14 years and was credited with being "an instrumental part of Viking's sustained trade channel growth and omnipresence within the industry." He previously led the trade marketing team.
Mike Eng
Saegesser left the company in January after more than 25 years of working for viking. Saegesser "is now embarking on an entirely new journey," Viking said.
Viking lauded Saegesser's "countless contributions" to the brand's international sales growth and the legacy she left after spending 45 years in the travel industry. She also worked for Disneyland Resort, Princess Cruises and Rocky Mountaineer.
Travel Weekly feted Michele Saegesser with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Photo Credit: Andrei Jackamets
Travel Weekly's recently honored Sagesser with a 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award at its Readers Choice Awards.
Viking recently said in its Q4 earnings call that it had already sold 88% of its 2025 inventory. The company reported that its total revenue of $5.33 billion last year was up 13% year over year. As of Feb. 23, Viking had $5.31 billion in advanced bookings for 2025, which was 26% higher than the advanced bookings for 2024 at the same point in time.