In a grand ceremony at the Massara shipyard in Cairo, Egypt, Viking has unveiled its latest addition to its Nile River fleet, the Viking Hathor.

This new vessel represents a significant advancement in Viking’s luxury river cruise offerings and is set to elevate the experience for travelers exploring one of the world’s most storied rivers.

A New Chapter in Viking’s Nile Fleet

The Viking Hathor, designed to accommodate up to 82 guests, is the latest gem in Viking’s expanding fleet on the Nile. The ship’s unveiling marks a new chapter in Viking’s storied tradition of providing unparalleled luxury river cruising experiences.

This addition complements Viking’s existing vessels on the Nile, including the Viking Osiris and Viking Aton, and enhances the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences on one of the world’s most iconic waterways.

During the delivery ceremony, Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, expressed his pride in the new vessel. “We are proud to welcome the Viking Hathor to our award-winning river fleet,” said Hagen.

“With its abundance of cultural treasures and ancient antiquities, Egypt has always been a destination of great interest to curious travelers, including our guests. We believe our ships are by far the most elegant vessels sailing the Nile River, and we look forward to introducing even more explorers to this fantastic destination in the years to come.”

Design and Features of the Viking Hathor

The Viking Hathor is a testament to Viking’s renowned Scandinavian design philosophy, reflecting elegance and sophistication. The ship features 41 staterooms, each designed to offer maximum comfort and luxury.

Passengers can enjoy a variety of amenities that are staples of Viking’s river and ocean ships, including the distinctive square bow and the indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace.

These features not only enhance the visual appeal of the ship but also provide guests with a luxurious and immersive cruising experience.

As a sister ship to the Viking Osiris and Viking Aton, the Viking Hathor continues the tradition of excellence in design and service that Viking is known for.

The vessel’s design emphasizes both comfort and elegance, ensuring that guests enjoy a sophisticated journey through Egypt’s historical landscape.

The Pharaohs & Pyramids Itinerary

The Viking Hathor will embark on Viking’s popular 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, a comprehensive journey that immerses guests in the rich history and culture of Egypt.

The itinerary begins with a three-night stay at a luxury hotel in Cairo, where guests have the opportunity to explore some of Egypt’s most iconic landmarks.

Highlights include visits to the Great Pyramids of Giza, Sakkara’s necropolis, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, and the Grand Egyptian Museum.

Following their Cairo stay, guests will fly to Luxor to board the Viking Hathor for an eight-day roundtrip cruise on the Nile.

The cruise includes visits to the Temples of Luxor and Karnak, the tombs of Nefertari and Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Queens and Kings, respectively, and a series of excursions to significant historical sites.

These include the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Dendera Temple complex in Qena, Abu Simbel, and the High Dam in Aswan.

In addition to these historical explorations, guests will experience the vibrant culture of a Nubian village and visit a traditional elementary school, offering a glimpse into local life. The journey concludes with a return flight to Cairo for a final night in the ancient city, rounding off an enriching and immersive Egyptian experience.

Viking’s Awards and Recognition

Viking’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its numerous accolades. The company has been rated #1 for Rivers, Oceans, and Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the latest Readers’ Choice Awards.

The Viking Aton was recently named one of the “Best New Cruises” in Condé Nast Traveler’s “Hot List 2024,” while the Viking Osiris received similar recognition in the “Hot List 2023” and was named the “Best Luxury River Cruise of 2024” by Forbes.

TIME magazine also highlighted Giza and Sakkara on its “World’s Greatest Places” 2023 list, noting that Viking is among the few cruise lines offering stops at both locations, including active excavation sites of animal and human mummies in Sakkara.

Exclusive Extensions with Viking

For travelers looking to deepen their exploration of Egypt and its surrounding regions, Viking offers exclusive pre and post-cruise extensions. One notable extension is the five-day British Collections of Ancient Egypt tour, which begins in London.

This extension includes a private, early morning tour of the British Museum’s Egyptian Collection, a visit to Sir John Soane’s Museum, and access to Oxford University’s Griffith Institute to view Howard Carter’s archives on the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.

The tour also features a visit to Highclere Castle, showcasing the Earl of Carnarvon’s private collection of Egyptian artifacts.

Additional extensions provide opportunities to explore Istanbul with visits to iconic sites such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.

Post-cruise, guests can extend their journey with a 4-night adventure to Jordan, exploring Petra, the Dead Sea, Amman, and historic sites like the Roman ruins at Jerash and Crusader-era castles at Kerak or Shobak.

Conclusion

The Viking Hathor’s addition to Viking’s Nile River fleet marks an exciting development in luxury river cruising.

With its refined design, luxurious accommodations, and immersive itineraries, the Viking Hathor promises to deliver an exceptional experience for travelers seeking to explore Egypt’s rich history and culture.

Viking’s commitment to excellence, combined with its extensive awards and exclusive extensions, reinforces its position as a leader in the luxury cruise industry, offering unparalleled experiences on the Nile and beyond.