- Viking is planning a huge expansion on the Nile
- The line claims it is already sold out for 2025
Viking plans to bring 20,000 passengers to the Nile next year, and despite a big fleet expansion the line claims it is already fully booked for 2025.
The chair of Viking, Torstein Hagen, early today presided over a landmark naming ceremony for two new ships – and revealed the line was already building another four to give it 10 vessels in Egypt, the biggest fleet of any line.
Viking already has a commanding lead in Europe where 70 ships make it the biggest operator. It also plans some 17 more ships and intends to expand its ocean fleet.
Cruise Passenger was at the dockside in Luxor as the Viking Sobek, the line’s newest ship named after an Egyptian crocodile god, and sister Viking Hathor, named after a goddess of fertility, were officially named.
Both were christened at a ceremony and dinner at the vast Karnak Temple site in Luxor, the world’s largest temple. Guests dined among the astonishing stone monuments and were later offered a private tour.
Edward Carnarvon is the godfather of the Hathor. His father, George Herbert, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, is godfather to the Viking Osiris, and his great grandfather, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon was the benefactor for the world’s most famous Egyptologist, Howard Carter, whose excavation uncovered the tomb of King Tutankhamun 102 years ago, on November 4, 1922.
It was rumoured he died from Tutankhamun’s curse.
Hagen is betting big on Egypt. One of the canniest operators in the cruise industry, with vessels in river, ocean, and expedition, he says of the destination: “With its abundance of cultural treasures and ancient antiquities, Egypt has always been a destination of great interest to curious travellers, 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.”
What is it about Egypt that has attracted so many cruise operators?
At 6,650 km, the Nile is the longest river in the world and the artery that keeps the heart of Egypt beating. It is one of the most awe-inspiring destinations on Earth, but its proximity to recent Middle Eastern unrest has hit tourism – and the Egyptian economy -hard.
Now, despite the instability, tourists appear to be returning and Viking is ready with a fleet of specially built ships.
The Sobek has just 82 guests and a crew of 48. It is, in true Viking style, light, bright and Scandi chic.
She packs a lot into her 236 feet, including 41 outside staterooms and a library. There is a pool and sun deck, an Aquavit Terrace and lounge, a revolutionary indoor/outdoor viewing area for al fresco dining, and bar with floor-to-ceiling glass doors.
Viking Sobek Hotel Manager Karoline Landa, who has worked for Viking since it started in 1997, said while cruising the Nile had dipped at the start of the Middle East trouble, it had returned last year.
Australians represent some five to eight per cent of bookings.
Most, she said, were seasoned cruisers looking for something new.
Viking has been winning plaudits for its Nile itineraries. The Viking Osiris was named one of the “Best New Cruises” in Condé Nast Traveler’s “Hot List 2023” and the “Best Luxury River Cruise of 2024” in Forbes’ “Best Luxury Cruises” list.
Viking also offers pre and post extensions, including a five-day British Collections of Ancient Egypt beginning in London, where guests will meet their Viking Tour Director, an expert Egyptologist, and experience Privileged Access to two museums: first, a private, early morning visit to the Egyptian Collection at the British Museum before it opens to the general public —and then a visit to the home and personal museum of world-renowned architect, Sir John Soane, where the tour will be illuminated by candlelight, a re-enactment of how Soane entertained guests and showcased his exquisite collection of Egyptian antiquities.
Guests will also visit London’s Petrie Museum, which houses more than 80,000 artifacts from ancient Egypt and Sudan. In Oxford, guests will visit the Ashmolean Museum, one of the oldest in the world, and home to a varied collection of Egyptian mummies and art—and go behind the scenes at Oxford University’s Griffith Institute, where they will enjoy a Privileged Access visit to see Howard Carter’s archives, which detail the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb.
Lastly, guests will have further Privileged Access with an exclusive visit to Highclere Castle to view the Earl of Carnarvon’s magnificent private collection of Egyptian artifacts, as well as archives and exhibits not normally accessible to the public.
See more here.
And find Viking deals here: https://cruisepassenger.com.au/cruise-deals/
