Viking Launches Latest Cruise Ship on the Nile River
Viking , the leader in culturally immersive river and ocean cruises, announced today a major construction milestone for its latest ship on the Nile River, the Viking Thoth. The vessel, which will accommodate 82 guests, has officially been “floated out”—a maritime term that signals the first time a ship touches water. This milestone, held at the Massara shipyard in Cairo, is a significant step in the shipbuilding process and indicates that the vessel is moving into the final phase of construction. The Viking Thoth is scheduled for delivery in October 2025 and will begin sailing Viking’s sought-after 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary shortly thereafter.
“As one of the cradles of civilization, Egypt continues to captivate the imagination of travelers from around the globe,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “With the addition of the Viking Thoth and her sister ship, the Amun, both debuting in 2025, we are proud to be expanding our presence in this region. Our goal is to offer travelers an elegant, comfortable, and culturally rich way to explore one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.”
Traditional Maritime Ceremony Marks Key Milestone
The float-out ceremony is a time-honored tradition in shipbuilding and marks a pivotal point in a vessel’s development. The process involves filling the shipyard’s dry dock with water, allowing the ship to become buoyant for the first time. For , this event symbolizes not only progress but also a tangible step closer to welcoming new guests aboard a vessel purpose-built for exploration along the legendary Nile River.
Following the float out, the Viking Thoth will be relocated to a nearby outfitting dock, where construction crews will complete the remaining exterior and interior work. This includes the installation of technical systems, furnishing guest accommodations, and finalizing the Scandinavian-inspired décor that Viking is renowned for.
Expanding a Modern, Elegant Fleet on the Nile
Designed in Viking’s signature understated style, the Viking Thoth will feature 41 comfortable staterooms, accommodating a total of 82 guests. The ship mirrors its sister vessels—Viking Osiris, Viking Aton, Viking Sobek, Hathor, and Viking Amun—and reflects Viking’s commitment to delivering consistent quality and guest experience across its global fleet. Hallmarks of the Viking brand, such as the Aquavit Terrace, indoor/outdoor lounges, panoramic views, and clean Nordic design, will also be featured on the Viking Thoth.
This growing fleet is a response to sustained demand for high-quality travel experiences in Egypt. Viking’s ships on the Nile are custom-built to navigate the unique conditions of the river while providing the comfort, safety, and cultural enrichment that the company’s guests have come to expect. By the end of 2027, Viking plans to operate a fleet of 12 ships on the Nile, a testament to the company’s commitment to the region and its continued investment in immersive destination-focused travel.
In addition to the Viking Thoth and her sister ships, Viking also operates the Viking Ra and the MS Antares, both of which offer unique experiences for travelers seeking to explore Egypt’s timeless wonders from the water.
A Journey Through History: The Pharaohs & Pyramids Itinerary
Guests aboard the Viking Thoth will sail Viking’s signature Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, a 12-day voyage that blends luxury travel with deep historical immersion. The journey begins in Cairo, one of the oldest cities in the world and the vibrant capital of modern Egypt. Guests will enjoy a three-night stay in a first-class hotel, offering the opportunity to explore Egypt’s ancient treasures in comfort and style.
Highlights of the Cairo stay include guided visits to the Great Pyramids of Giza—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—and the Sphinx, as well as the necropolis of Sakkara. Guests also visit the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, and explore the renowned Grand Egyptian Museum, which houses some of the most comprehensive collections of Egyptian antiquities in the world.
From Cairo, guests fly to Luxor, often referred to as the world’s greatest open-air museum. There, they will explore the colossal temples of Luxor and Karnak before boarding the Viking Thoth for an eight-day roundtrip cruise along the Nile River. Each day brings a new discovery, with curated excursions designed to provide deeper insights into Egypt’s rich history, mythology, and cultural legacy.
Guests will have the opportunity to visit the tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens—renowned for its vibrant and well-preserved wall paintings—and the legendary tomb of Tutankhamen in the Valley of the Kings. The itinerary also includes excursions to the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the remarkably intact Dendera Temple complex in Qena, and the majestic twin temples of Abu Simbel, built by Ramses II.
Additional highlights include a visit to the Aswan High Dam, one of Egypt’s most impressive feats of modern engineering, and a journey to a colorful Nubian village, where guests can experience a slice of daily life and even visit a traditional elementary school.
The journey concludes with a return flight to Cairo, where guests enjoy one final night in the city before returning home, enriched by a travel experience that seamlessly blends ancient history with modern luxury.
Meeting Demand for Cultural Exploration
Viking’s expanded operations in Egypt are part of a broader strategy to meet rising demand for cultural, destination-focused travel. The company has carved out a niche among discerning travelers who seek meaningful engagement with the destinations they visit. With the growth of its Nile River fleet, Viking is not only expanding capacity but also enhancing the quality and consistency of the guest experience across all its Egyptian itineraries.
“More travelers than ever are choosing to explore the world through the lens of culture, history, and learning,” said Hagen. “Our ships are designed to complement the destination rather than overshadow it. In Egypt, this approach has resonated deeply with our guests, and we are excited to welcome more of them to experience the wonders of the Nile with us.”
About Viking
Founded in 1997, Viking has grown to become the world’s leading provider of river, ocean, and expedition cruises. With a commitment to delivering culturally immersive experiences in the world’s most inspiring destinations, Viking is consistently recognized for excellence in service, design, and innovation. The company’s fleet includes more than 90 vessels, each purpose-built to enhance the guest journey through elegant design, state-of-the-art technology, and thoughtful itineraries.
Viking’s river cruises span Europe, Asia, and Africa, while its ocean and expedition ships explore destinations from Antarctica and the Arctic to the Mediterranean, the Americas, and beyond. The launch of the Thoth continues the company’s legacy of innovation and its dedication to connecting guests with the heritage of the world’s great civilizations.