Rachel Bonnici on Sunday announced that she has been appointed Product Development Manager at small ship travel firm Viking, where she will be focusing on the Mediterranean region.
“Absolutely delighted to be working full-time in the heritage sector, developing the Mediterranean region and working closely with fellow operators,” she shared. Ms Bonnici proceeded to thank the company’s river nautical team for “supporting me in aspiring forward in my career”.
She first joined Viking as Nautical Manager, a position she served in for six months. Prior to that, she also spearheaded the launch of the educational platform “The Heritage Porthole”, a storytelling project connecting the maritime heritage legacy across the seven seas, which has been ongoing since 2021.
Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Viking was founded in 1997 and has since become a leader in the small ship travel industry, offering “destination-focused river, ocean and expedition voyages on all seven continents”. Its cruises are particularly designed for experienced travellers with interests in science, history, culture, and cuisine. The company’s operations are split into three divisions, Viking River Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, and Viking Expeditions.
Before joining Viking, Ms Bonnici worked as Land Programs & Yachting Executive at Malta-based Mifsud Brothers Ltd. For almost four years. She has also worked at a number of cruise companies in various roles, including International Guest Relations at Holland America Line.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Tourism Studies from University of Malta, along with a Master of Arts in World Heritage Studies from Brandenburg University of Technology in Germany. Ms Bonnici describes herself as an “experienced mariner with a passion for maritime heritage”.
Locally, Viking is known for celebrating its first welcome back sailings in the Mediterranean in 2021 with voyages by the Viking Sea and sister ship Viking Venus launching from Valletta. The ships proceeded to homeport there for the summer.
Social Image: Viking River Cruises
