Viking is celebrating a major construction milestone for its two newest ships for the Nile River: Viking Ptah and Viking Sekhmet.
The traditional float out ceremonies took place at Massara shipyard in Cairo on 1 April. The vessels have since moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out.
Set to debut in September and November 2026 respectively, the 41-stateroom ships each host 82 guests and will sail Viking’s 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.
Stops include the Great Pyramids of Giza, the necropolis of Sakkara, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali or the Grand Egyptian Museum. Accompanied by a Viking Egyptologist, guests then fly to Luxor, where they visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak and begin an eight-day roundtrip voyage on the Nile River.
The sailing features a visit to the tomb of Tutankhamen 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 and the High Dam in Aswan, as well as the opportunity to visit a traditional Nubian village.
Viking Ptah and Viking Sekhmet will add to the brand’s growing fleet of river ships in Egypt, including Viking Osiris, Viking Aton, Viking Sobek, Viking Hathor, Viking Amun and Viking Thoth.
“Egypt is truly a phenomenal destination, distinguished by its remarkable history, enduring culture and the singular power of the Nile,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman and CEO of Viking.
“With the float out of our two newest ships, we look forward to further expanding our elegant fleet on the Nile and welcoming more curious travellers to experience this extraordinary region in the years to come.”
Viking has also been adding strength to its India river voyages, which includes the upcoming Viking Ganges designed specifically for the Brahmaputra River.