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Viking Cruises، the world-renowned river cruise company, has made a significant expansion on the Nile River by launching two new luxury ships—Viking Hathor and Viking Sobek. These vessels were officially named during a grand ceremony in Luxor, Egypt, celebrating the historical significance of the Nile and the enduring partnership between Viking Cruises and Egypt. The new ships are specially designed for the Nile and will operate the popular 12-day "Pharaohs & Pyramids" program, promising an enhanced travel experience for those exploring one of the world’s most iconic rivers.
Both Viking Hathor and Viking Sobek were constructed at the Al Ma’sara shipyard in Cairo, reflecting the luxury and craftsmanship Viking Cruises is known for. These ships are designed specifically for sailing the Nile, offering travelers an immersive experience on one of the world’s most famous rivers. The ships feature modern amenities alongside sophisticated design, ensuring comfort while maintaining a deep connection to Egypt’s rich history.
Viking Cruises Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen expressed the company’s pride in these new additions to its fleet. "Today, we are proud to welcome Viking Hathor and Viking Sobek to our growing fleet in Egypt. Alongside their sister ships, we believe they are among the most elegant ships on the Nile," Hagen said. Viking's presence on the Nile continues to grow, attracting more curious travelers to explore Egypt’s historic lands.
The naming ceremony for the ships was steeped in historical reverence. Edward Herbert, whose great-grandfather Lord Carnarvon helped discover King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, was named the ceremonial godfather of Viking Hathor. His family’s historical ties to Egypt and archaeology made his participation in the event particularly symbolic.
For Viking Sobek, Mohamed El Bana, a key figure in Egyptian tourism and founder of Cosmos Egypt, took on the role of ceremonial godfather. El Bana has been a long-time partner of Viking Cruises in Egypt, helping create unforgettable experiences for travelers exploring the country’s ancient treasures.
In addition to his role as godfather, El Bana’s contributions to Egypt’s tourism sector were recognized during the event, further emphasizing the close relationship between Viking Cruises and its local Egyptian partners.
Torstein Hagen spoke warmly of both godparents, saying, "We are deeply grateful for our ongoing close friendship with the Carnarvon family and for Eddie’s honor in serving as godfather to Viking Hathor. For over 15 years, Mohamed El Bana has been part of the extended Viking family, helping to care for our guests in Egypt."
The grand naming ceremony took place at Viking’s private docking area in Luxor, with the celebrations continuing at the famous Karnak Temple. Guests enjoyed a stunning dinner amidst the ancient ruins, creating a striking contrast between modern luxury and ancient history.
One of the evening’s highlights was a performance by renowned soprano Sissel Kyrkjebø, who served as the godmother of Viking Jupiter. Kyrkjebø’s moving rendition of the national anthems of Egypt, Norway, and the United Kingdom in their respective languages added a cultural layer to the celebration, bringing together international guests in a shared moment of respect and joy.
Viking Cruises' continued investment in Egypt underscores the company’s commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences on the Nile. With these new ships, Viking aims to offer an unparalleled level of luxury and service to travelers as they explore the wonders of ancient Egypt. The "Pharaohs & Pyramids" itinerary remains one of the most popular ways to experience the treasures of Luxor, Aswan, and the surrounding areas, and Viking Hathor and Viking Sobek are set to elevate this iconic journey even further.
Torstein Hagen concluded his remarks by saying, "As our award-winning fleet on the Nile continues to grow, we look forward to introducing even more curious travelers to this remarkable destination," reflecting Viking Cruises' optimism for the future of Nile river cruises and its ongoing partnership with Egypt.
The addition of Viking Hathor and Viking Sobek to Viking’s Nile fleet marks an exciting new chapter for Nile river cruises in Egypt. With their sleek design, luxurious amenities, and strong ties to Egypt’s historical heritage, these ships are poised to elevate the experience for travelers seeking to explore the wonders of the Nile. As Viking continues to expand its presence in Egypt, the company remains deeply committed to offering unforgettable journeys through one of the world’s most historically rich and culturally significant regions.
In October, Viking Cruises announced the delivery of a new ship, Viking Sobek, after its construction was completed locally by the Al Ma’sara shipyard, part of the Egyptian Arab Contractors company. The delivery ceremony took place at the shipyard in Cairo, making Viking Sobek a part of the company’s growing fleet of modern ships on the Nile. The ship can accommodate 82 passengers and will sail Viking’s popular 12-day Nile itinerary.
Viking Sobek can host 82 guests in 41 cabins and is designed in an elegant Scandinavian style, inspired by Viking’s award-winning river and ocean ships. The ship is identical to Viking Osiris, Viking Aton, and Viking Hathor, all part of Viking’s expanding fleet on the Nile.
Viking Cruises has been recognized as a leader in river, ocean, and expedition cruises, earning top honors in Condé Nast Traveler's latest Readers' Choice Awards. Recently, Viking Aton was named one of the "Best New Cruises" in Condé Nast Traveler's 2024 Hot List, and Viking Osiris was similarly recognized in the 2023 Hot List. Additionally, Viking was named the "Best Luxury River Cruise for 2024" by Forbes.
TIME Magazine also included Giza and Saqqara in its list of "The World’s Greatest Places" for 2023, highlighting the Viking Nile cruise experience. TIME noted that Viking is among the few operators that stop at both Giza and the village of Saqqara, where active excavation sites, such as massive animal and human tombs, are located.
The construction of Viking Hathor and Viking Sobek in Egypt highlights the country’s growing role in the global shipbuilding industry. The Al Ma’sara shipyard, operated by Arab Contractors, has proven its ability to meet international standards for luxury shipbuilding, positioning Egypt as a key player in the region’s maritime sector. As Viking Cruises continues to expand its fleet on the Nile, Egypt’s shipbuilding industry will play a crucial role in supporting the company’s efforts to offer world-class river cruise experiences.
Viking Cruises' investment in Egypt reflects a strong partnership between global companies and local industries, ensuring that Egypt remains a top destination for luxury river cruises. With this ongoing collaboration, we can expect more milestones in the future of Nile river travel and shipbuilding in Egypt, further enhancing the country’s position on the global stage.