When we traveled on the the Royal Viking Line we were told that a skald was like a scribe, one who recorded the events of the sailing, you were said to also be a Skald member if you returned to sail again with the line. They had a Skald club magazine that was sent to all members. They had a great thing going,
small numbers on each sailing with out standing service. Royal Viking Line was taken over by Radison Seven Seas line some years back. Hope this helps. I believe skald is Norwegian.