Viking, a leader in river and ocean cruises, has announced the arrival of their newest ship designed specifically for the Nile River; Viking Sobek. This marks a significant milestone in the vessel’s construction, as it was recently “floated out” for the first time, signifying its entry into the final construction phase.

The 82-guest Viking Sobek is set to debut in Fall 2024 and will join Viking’s already impressive fleet sailing the Nile River. It will operate on Viking’s popular 12-day itinerary, “Pharaohs & Pyramids.”

A Commitment to Exploring Egypt in Style

Torstein Hagen, Viking’s Chairman and CEO, expressed the company’s continued enthusiasm for Egypt, highlighting its rich history and enduring appeal to travelers. He believes Viking’s vessels, including the Viking Sobek and its sister ships, represent the most elegant ships navigating the Nile. Viking is eager to welcome even more guests to explore this captivating region.

The Viking Sobek: Combining Tradition with Modernity

The traditional float out ceremony held at the Massara shipyard in Cairo signifies the Viking Sobek’s transition into the final construction stage. It will now be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for the completion of construction and interior design.

The Viking Sobek boasts a state-of-the-art design inspired by Viking’s award-winning river and ocean ships. It features the signature elements that Viking guests have come to appreciate, such as the distinctive square bow and the popular indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace. With the addition of the Viking Sobek and its sister ship, the Viking Hathor, Viking will have a total of six ships sailing the Nile by the end of 2024. The Viking Ra and MS Antares are the other vessels currently in Viking’s Egypt fleet.

An immersive Journey Through the “Pharaohs & Pyramids” Itinerary

Viking’s “Pharaohs & Pyramids” itinerary offers a 12-day exploration of Egypt’s wonders. The journey begins with a three-night stay in a luxurious Cairo hotel, allowing guests to visit iconic landmarks like the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sakkara necropolis, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, and the Grand Egyptian Museum. Guests then fly to Luxor for exploration of the Temples of Luxor and Karnak before embarking on an eight-day roundtrip cruise on the Nile River aboard a Viking river ship.

Highlights of the cruise include visits to the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens, the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings, excursions to various temples (Khnum in Esna, Dendera complex in Qena, Abu Simbel), the High Dam in Aswan, and a colorful Nubian village where guests can experience a traditional elementary school. The journey concludes with a final night in Cairo before departure.

Acclaim and Recognition for Viking’s Nile River Cruises

Viking’s commitment to excellence on the Nile has garnered significant recognition within the travel industry. In the past year alone, the Viking Osiris received praise from both Condé Nast Traveler (“Best New Cruises” in Hot List 2023) and Forbes (“Best Luxury River Cruise of 2024”). TIME magazine also included Giza and Saqqara on its “World’s Greatest Places” 2023 list, specifically mentioning Viking’s Nile River cruises. TIME acknowledges Viking as one of the few cruise lines offering stops at both Giza and the village of Sakkara, known for its active excavation sites of animal and human mummies.

Enhancing Your Egyptian Adventure with Pre and Post Extensions

For those seeking a more extensive Egyptian experience, Viking provides Pre and Post Extensions offering exclusive access to historical sites and exhibits. The five-day “British Collections of Ancient Egypt” extension allows guests to delve deeper into the world of Egyptology. Highlights include a private, early morning visit to the Egyptian Collection at the British Museum before public opening, a candlelit tour of renowned architect Sir John Soane’s home and personal museum showcasing his Egyptian artifacts, and exclusive access to Howard Carter’s archives at Oxford University, detailing the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. The extension also includes visits to the Petrie Museum in London and the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.

Viking extends the opportunity to explore beyond Egypt with additional pre and post extensions. Guests can choose a three-night Pre-Extension in Istanbul to visit historical and religious sites like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Following the Nile River cruise, a four-night Post-Extension to Jordan offers the chance to explore Roman ruins at Jerash, Crusader-era castles, and the breathtaking lost city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.