Exclusive: Trafalgar Appoints Godmothers For Upcoming River Cruises On Europe’s Most Scenic Rivers

Published on December 6, 2025

Trafalgar has announced an exciting development for its upcoming river cruise line. The company has named two former guests as the Godmothers of its debut ships, Trafalgar Verity and Trafalgar Reverie. These river cruise ships will launch in April 2026, traveling the beautiful Danube and Rhine rivers. Cassandra Estrella-Roca and Kate McIntosh were chosen for this honor, marking a shift from the traditional choice of public figures to reflect Trafalgar’s focus on authenticity and personal connection with its guests. Both women were recognized through Trafalgar’s Travel Unlocked Awards, symbolizing the company’s values and fitting naturally into this important role.

A New Tradition for Trafalgar’s River Cruises

Trafalgar’s decision to appoint real guests as Godmothers offers a novel approach for the river cruise industry. Damien O’Connor, the company’s vice president of river cruises, pointed out that their cruise product is crafted with travelers in mind. It focuses on creating personal and joyful experiences shaped by those who enjoy them. The brand’s commitment to connection and discovery aligns well with Estrella-Roca and McIntosh, both of whom radiate warmth and enthusiasm for travel.

Choosing these two guests as Godmothers instead of public figures emphasizes Trafalgar’s philosophy of prioritizing its guests. Estrella-Roca and McIntosh are not just passengers; they are loyal travelers who have built a personal relationship with Trafalgar, making them excellent representatives for the brand. This strategy reflects Trafalgar’s aim to deliver authentic and immersive travel experiences.

Cassandra Estrella-Roca: Godmother of Trafalgar Verity

Cassandra Estrella-Roca will serve as the Godmother for the Trafalgar Verity, which is set to launch on the “Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam” itinerary. Estrella-Roca, from Southern California, expressed her strong loyalty to Trafalgar in an interview. She highlighted her appreciation for consistency and authenticity in travel, noting that Trafalgar has always met her expectations. Her deep connection to the brand makes her an ideal choice to bless the Trafalgar Verity as it embarks on its maiden journey along the beautiful Rhine River.

Estrella-Roca’s role as Godmother will be showcased during the ship’s first sailing from April 12 to 21, 2026. This 9-day itinerary will explore enchanting regions along the Rhine, allowing travelers to visit historic cities and scenic landscapes. Estrella-Roca’s presence on board symbolizes Trafalgar’s dedication to crafting memorable experiences for its guests and fostering a sense of community and connection.

Kate McIntosh: Godmother of Trafalgar Reverie

Kate McIntosh, from Melbourne, Australia, will be the Godmother of Trafalgar Reverie. She will represent this ship during its initial voyage along the Danube, scheduled for April 11 to 18, 2026. McIntosh expressed her pride in being chosen to represent Trafalgar and her excitement for the journey ahead. For her, this appointment showcases her passion for travel and her appreciation for the personal touch that Trafalgar provides its guests.

The “Best of the Danube” itinerary, for which McIntosh will serve as Godmother, promises an unforgettable experience with stops at prominent cities and towns along the Danube River. McIntosh’s selection as Godmother reflects her strong ties with Trafalgar, built over years of positive travel experiences. As she joins the inaugural voyage, McIntosh will continue to embody the warmth, connection, and sense of discovery that Trafalgar values.

The Significance of the Godmother Role

In the cruise industry, the Godmother role carries significant tradition. It symbolizes the blessing and good fortune of a new ship. By choosing guests as Godmothers for its new ships, Trafalgar keeps this tradition while focusing on authenticity and personal connections. Both Estrella-Roca and McIntosh will participate in ceremonial blessings and sail on their ships’ inaugural journeys, reinforcing their roles as ambassadors for Trafalgar’s brand.

Trafalgar’s inclusion of its Godmothers in launch-season activities underscores the company’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for the ships and their passengers. The Godmothers will take part in select events, offering a firsthand glimpse of the warm and welcoming atmosphere that defines Trafalgar’s river cruises.

Trafalgar’s River Cruise Debut: A New Era in European Travel

The launch of Trafalgar Verity and Trafalgar Reverie marks a new chapter for the brand, expanding its offerings with luxury river cruises along two of Europe’s iconic rivers, the Rhine and Danube. These river cruises are expected to draw travelers seeking a blend of cultural discovery, scenic beauty, and luxurious onboard amenities. With a focus on personalized service and genuine experiences, Trafalgar aims to provide more than a typical river cruise; it seeks to create lasting memories.

Trafalgar Verity and Trafalgar Reverie are designed for the modern traveler, balancing comfort with cultural immersion. The inclusion of Estrella-Roca and McIntosh as Godmothers emphasizes the brand’s dedication to offering authentic, heartwarming experiences that reflect the passions of its guests. Their roles as Godmothers serve as a perfect introduction to what travelers can expect on these inaugural journeys.

Conclusion: A Meaningful Start to Trafalgar’s River Cruise Journey

The appointment of Cassandra Estrella-Roca and Kate McIntosh as Godmothers for Trafalgar’s new river cruise ships marks a special milestone in the company’s history. Their selection underscores Trafalgar’s guest-first philosophy, focusing on authenticity, connection, and loyalty. As Trafalgar Verity and Trafalgar Reverie sail along the Danube and Rhine rivers in 2026, these two women will symbolize the brand’s values and serve as a testament to the personalized travel experiences Trafalgar aims to provide for its guests. Their involvement in launching these ships will surely create lasting memories for passengers as they embark on these exciting new river cruises.