## Viking Unveils New River Vessels in Luxor, Expanding Nile River Cruise Offerings
In a grand ceremony held in the ancient city of Luxor, Egypt, Viking River Cruises officially unveiled its latest additions to its Nile River fleet: the Viking Hathor and Viking Sobek. These twin vessels, identical to the Viking Aton and Viking Osiris, are specifically designed for navigating the Nile’s waters and offer a cutting-edge experience tailored to Viking’s renowned 12-day ‘Pharaohs & Pyramids’ itinerary.
The naming ceremony, held at Viking’s private docking area in Luxor, was a celebration of Egyptian culture and history. Guests were treated to a captivating performance by renowned crossover soprano Sissel Kyrkjebø, godmother of the Viking Jupiter®, who sang the national anthems of Egypt, Norway, and the United Kingdom. The event culminated in a celebratory dinner within the historic Karnak Temple, adding to the magical atmosphere.
The Viking Hathor was christened by the Honorable Edward Herbert, a direct descendant of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who played a pivotal role in the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, alongside Howard Carter. The Viking Sobek’s godfather is Mohamed El Banna, founder of Cosmos Egypt and a prominent figure in the Egyptian Senate. These esteemed figures, both deeply connected to Egypt’s rich history and tourism, represent the legacy and cultural significance that Viking aims to embody.
A Legacy of Exploration: The Carnarvon Family and Tutankhamun
Edward Herbert, son of George Herbert, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, and Fiona Carnarvon, Countess of Carnarvon, carries on the family’s deep connection to Egyptian archaeology. His great-great-grandfather, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, dedicated 16 years to his work in Luxor, and in 1922, made the historical discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Lady Carnarvon’s latest book, ‘The Earl and the Pharaoh: From the Real Downton Abbey to the Discovery of Tutankhamun,’ delves into the 5th Earl’s remarkable life and the historical excavation.
The Carnarvons’ connection with Viking extends beyond the naming ceremony. For years, Viking has provided unique opportunities for guests to explore Highclere Castle, the Earl and Countess’s residence and the iconic filming location for ‘Downton Abbey.’ Guests on board the Viking Hathor, Viking Sobek, and their sister ships can view the 5th Earl’s private collection of photographs, capturing the excavation of Tutankhamun’s tomb and life in Egypt during that era. Viking also offers pre and post extensions that include privileged access to exclusive archives and exhibits, such as the British Museum’s Egyptian Collection, Sir John Soane’s museum, and Howard Carter’s archives at Oxford University’s Griffith Institute, enriching the historical experience.
Mohamed El Banna: A Champion of Egyptian Travel
Mohamed El Banna, a passionate advocate for world cultures, embarked on his journey in the travel industry after earning a degree in commerce. In 1977, he established Cosmos Tourism Company, now known as Cosmos Egypt, which has grown to become the country’s oldest destination management firm. His dedication to promoting Egyptian travel has seen him take on various significant government roles, including serving in the Chamber of Tourism and as Deputy of the Tourism and Antiquities Committee in the House of Representatives. He is currently serving a five-year term as a senator in the Egyptian Senate.
Viking has partnered with Cosmos Egypt for over 15 years, with the company managing all ground operations, transportation for shore excursions, and providing English-speaking tour guides and Egyptologists. Mr. El Banna played a crucial role in establishing Viking’s operational division in Egypt, which now employs over 500 staff members. His commitment to Egypt’s tourism industry underscores the importance of collaboration and the shared goal of offering authentic experiences.
Viking’s Expanding Fleet and Award-Winning Reputation
The Viking Hathor and Viking Sobek, each accommodating 82 guests in 41 elegantly appointed staterooms, embody Viking’s signature Scandinavian design. They share design elements with the Viking Osiris and Viking Aton, featuring a distinctive square bow and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace. Viking plans to expand its Egypt fleet with four additional ships over the next two years: the Viking Amun and Viking Thoth in 2025, followed by the Viking Sekhmet and Viking Ptah in 2026, bringing the total to 10 vessels along the Nile. This growth signifies Viking’s commitment to providing exceptional Nile River cruising experiences to a wider audience.
Viking’s commitment to excellence has earned it numerous accolades, including being rated #1 for Rivers, Oceans, and Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in its 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards for the second consecutive year. Viking’s ships in Egypt have also been featured in Condé Nast Traveler’s “Hot List” for two years, and it was recognized as a “Best Luxury River Cruise of 2024” by Forbes. TIME magazine highlighted Giza and Saqqara in its “World’s Greatest Places” 2023 list, noting Viking as one of the few operators that visit both Giza and the village of Saqqara, where ongoing excavation sites feature remarkable finds, including the megatombs of animal and human mummies.
Unveiling the Wonders of Ancient Egypt
Viking’s 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary provides an immersive journey through Egypt’s ancient wonders. The journey begins with a three-night stay at a luxury hotel in Cairo, allowing guests to explore iconic landmarks such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the necropolis at Sakkara, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, and the Grand Egyptian Museum. Guests then fly to Luxor to tour the Temples of Luxor and Karnak before embarking on an eight-day roundtrip Nile cruise. This cruise features visits to Nefertari’s tomb in the Valley of the Queens, Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings, and excursions to the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Dendera Temple complex in Qena, the temples at Abu Simbel, the High Dam in Aswan, and a colorful Nubian village where guests can engage with local culture. The adventure concludes with a flight back to Cairo for one last night in this ancient city.
The launch of the Viking Hathor and Viking Sobek marks another chapter in Viking’s journey of providing unparalleled river cruise experiences. These new vessels, combined with Viking’s existing fleet and its commitment to showcasing the wonders of ancient Egypt, offer an unforgettable experience for discerning travelers seeking to explore the cradle of civilization.
