Viking Ra to sail the Nile in 2018

Viking River Cruises has announced details of the newest addition to its river fleet, Viking Ra, which will sail the Nile River on a new Pharaohs & Pyramids Egypt cruisetour launching in March 2018.

The recently-acquired vessel has been stripped down to the steel to undergo a complete renovation, featuring 24 staterooms tailored to an intimate sailing experience for just 48 guests. The ship features three suite stateroom categories, each of 291 sq. ft., including 20 Veranda Suites with a full-size veranda in the living room and a French balcony in the bedroom. All staterooms include premium amenities such as a hotel-style bed, luxury linens, sofa, private bathroom with shower, air conditioning and flat-screen TVs.

Amenities include two Jacuzzis, an on-board spa, restaurant and lounge, plus a pool at the back of the ship along with a sanctuary from the sun provided by sculptural “sail-shades,” inspired by local dhow ships.

During the 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, guests will experience Egypt’s cultural treasures in seven destinations. The cruisetour begins with a three-night stay at a first-class hotel in Cairo, where guests can visit iconic sites such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the new Grand Egyptian Museum and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Guests will then fly to Luxor, where they will visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak before boarding Viking Ra for an eight-day roundtrip cruise on the Nile River to Aswan, featuring privileged access to the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens and excursions to the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Dendera Temple complex in Qena, and a visit to a Nubian village where guests can experience a traditional elementary school. The journey concludes with a flight back to Cairo for a final night in the historic city.

During the cruise, guests are offered Viking’s Culture Curriculum, which includes a Nubian evening event on board and a local experience riding a camel. Additionally, Viking’s expert Egyptologist leads all excursions, sharing the archaeological and historical significance of the sites.