Viking has welcomed the Viking Sobek, its newest addition to its impressive Nile River fleet. This elegant vessel, accommodating 82 guests, was officially delivered during a ceremony at the Massara shipyard in Cairo, Egypt. The Viking Sobek will sail on Viking’s renowned 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids journey, providing travelers with a truly immersive experience in the heart of ancient Egypt.
“We are proud to welcome the Viking Sobek to our award-winning fleet. In our view, these identical sister ships are by far the most elegant vessels on the Nile,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “Egypt has always been a destination of great interest among our guests, and demand for these voyages continues to be strong. With the arrival of the Viking Sobek, we look forward to introducing even more curious travelers to the country’s rich history and fascinating cultural treasures.”
The Viking Sobek reflects Viking’s signature Scandinavian aesthetic, evident in its 41 elegantly appointed staterooms. This new vessel joins the ranks of its sister ships, Viking Osiris, Viking Aton, and Viking Hathor, all featuring Viking’s distinctive square bow and the popular Aquavit Terrace, offering both indoor and outdoor spaces. The Viking Sobek also joins Viking’s expanding Nile fleet alongside the Viking Ra and the MS Antares.
Viking is committed to further enhancing its Nile River offerings, with plans to launch four more ships by 2026—the Viking Amun and Viking Thoth arriving in 2025, followed by the Viking Sekhmet and Viking Ptah in 2026—bringing their total to 10 vessels sailing the Nile River.
On Viking’s 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, guests embark on a journey of discovery. It begins with a three-night stay at a luxurious Cairo hotel, providing an opportunity to explore iconic sites like the Great Pyramids of Giza, the necropolis of Sakkara, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, and the Grand Egyptian Museum. The adventure continues with a flight to Luxor, where travelers are captivated by the impressive Temples of Luxor and Karnak.
From Luxor, guests embark on an eight-day Nile River cruise, immersing themselves in the beauty and history of the Nile. The journey features stops at historic sites such as Nefertari’s tomb in the Valley of the Queens, Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Dendera Temple complex, the temples of Abu Simbel, Aswan’s High Dam, and a vibrant Nubian village where they can experience a traditional school setting. The tour concludes with a flight back to Cairo for a final night in this ancient city.
Viking’s connection to Egypt runs deep, extending beyond its luxurious cruises. The company has fostered a unique partnership with Highclere Castle, the residence of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, known worldwide as the filming location of Downton Abbey. George Herbert, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, serves as the godfather to the Viking Osiris, continuing a family legacy linked to Egyptian archaeology. His great-grandfather, the 5th Earl, famously co-discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun alongside Howard Carter on November 4, 1922.
Many of the 5th Earl’s photographs from the discovery are preserved at Highclere Castle, offering a glimpse into the excavation and daily life in Egypt at that time. Viking guests on the Viking Osiris and its sister ships have the rare opportunity to view this private collection, courtesy of the Carnarvon family.
For those seeking to delve deeper into Egyptian heritage, Viking offers Pre and Post Extensions, providing exclusive access to archives and artifacts. Guests on the five-day British Collections of Ancient Egypt extension start in London, accompanied by a Viking Tour Director and Egyptology expert. They enjoy a private, early morning tour of the British Museum’s Egyptian Collection, as well as a visit to Sir John Soane’s Museum, where they witness a candlelit display of Soane’s Egyptian antiquities.
The tour also includes stops at the Petrie Museum, the Ashmolean Museum, and Oxford University’s Griffith Institute, offering privileged access to Carter’s detailed records of the Tutankhamun excavation. Lastly, guests receive an exclusive tour of Highclere Castle, with insights into the Earl of Carnarvon’s personal collection of Egyptian artifacts and exhibits typically unavailable to the public.
Viking’s commitment to excellence and its unique offerings have garnered top accolades, solidifying its position as a leader in the travel industry. Viking was named #1 in river, ocean, and expedition cruises by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards for the second year in a row—the first time a travel company has won all three titles consecutively. Viking’s Egypt fleet has also been featured in Condé Nast Traveler’s “Hot List” for the past two years, and the line has been recognized as the “Best Luxury River Cruise of 2024” by Forbes. Additionally, TIME magazine highlighted both Giza and Saqqara on its 2023 “World’s Greatest Places” list, noting Viking’s unique inclusion of these destinations, including active excavation sites with fascinating ancient discoveries.
