Fewer crowds, more Nile. That’s what Viking promises for its river cruises in Egypt.
As demand for immersive, bucket-list travel grows, Viking is expanding its footprint in one of the most iconic cruise destinations in the world: the Nile River. The company announced that its newest ship, the Viking Thoth, has officially been floated out in Cairo. This marks a key construction milestone that sets the vessel on course for its October 2025 debut.
The Viking Thoth will become the eighth ship in Viking’s dedicated Nile River fleet and is part of a broader strategy to capture interest in high-end, culturally rich cruises. The company plans to operate 12 ships on the Nile by 2027, doubling down on Egypt as one of its most in-demand regions.
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“Egypt is a country of profound historical and cultural significance, which makes it a destination of great interest to our guests,” Viking Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen said in a statement. “With two new ships, the Viking Thoth and the Viking Amun, debuting in 2025, we are very proud to continue expanding our elegant fleet and introducing more curious travelers to this phenomenal region.”
Viking will soon have a fleet of 12 ships built just for river cruises.
Viking Thoth: modern luxury meets ancient wonders
Designed for 82 guests, the Viking Thoth will feature 41 staterooms and interiors inspired by Viking’s signature Scandinavian design. It’s a sister ship to the Viking Osiris and Viking Aton, among others, and includes hallmark features like the indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace and a distinctive square bow that blends function with flair.
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The float out, held at Cairo’s Massara shipyard, marks the ship’s transition from structural work to interior build-out. Once completed, the ship will sail Viking’s best-selling Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, a 12-day journey that combines luxury accommodations with deep cultural exploration.
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Egypt is a bucket-list destination for cruisers
Egypt has seen a significant tourism rebound in recent years, bolstered by interest in cultural heritage, archaeological discoveries, and new museum developments, such as the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza. Viking has positioned itself as a leader in this space, offering all-inclusive river cruise experiences that bring guests up close to Egypt’s most legendary sites.
Viking’s Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary begins with a three-night stay in Cairo, including visits to the Great Pyramids of Giza and the necropolis of Sakkara. Guests then fly to Luxor, board a Viking ship, and embark on an eight-day round-trip cruise with stops at Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, the temples of Abu Simbel, and even a Nubian village school.
With its small-ship format, curated excursions, and upscale service, Viking continues to attract travelers who crave connection, discovery and depth in addition to relaxation.
River cruising continues to grow
As river cruising continues to trend upward, Egypt stands out as a rare blend of accessibility, historical significance, and timeless appeal. While Europe remains the core of the river cruise market, lines like Viking are carving out a larger space in long-haul, experience-driven destinations.
The Viking Thoth and its sister ships offer an alternative to ocean cruising and large group tours, giving travelers a more intimate way to explore Egypt’s storied past without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
With the float-out complete, Viking is on track to deliver the Thoth to passengers in fall 2025.
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