Viking takes delivery of Viking Sekhmet for Nile sailings

Viking has taken delivery of the Viking Sekhmet, its newest river ship in Egypt, expanding the line’s growing fleet of sister ships sailing the Nile.

The delivery ceremony was held at the Massara shipyard in Cairo. The ship will sail Viking’s 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, as well as the line’s new 12-day Total Eclipse on the Nile sailing in 2027.

“The Nile has connected people with the history and culture of Egypt for thousands of years, and it continues to be a destination that inspires curious travelers,” said Leah Talactac, Viking’s president and CEO. “With the arrival of the elegant Viking Sekhmet, we are pleased to offer even more opportunities for curious travelers to explore Egypt in Viking comfort.”

Built for the Nile

The Viking Sekhmet accommodates 82 guests in 41 outside staterooms and was purpose-built for Nile River cruising. Like its identical sister ships, the vessel features Viking’s Scandinavian design aesthetic, a square bow and an indoor-outdoor Aquavit Terrace.

The addition gives travel advisors another small-ship option for clients seeking an Egypt itinerary that combines river cruising with extended land experiences in Cairo and Luxor.

Egypt itineraries

Both 12-day itineraries begin with a three-night hotel stay in Cairo before guests fly to Luxor to board their river ship for an eight-day roundtrip Nile cruise.

Included experiences feature visits to:

• The Great Pyramids of Giza and the necropolis of Sakkara

• The Mosque of Muhammad Ali and Grand Egyptian Museum

• Luxor and Karnak temples

• Tutankhamen’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings

• The Temple of Khnum in Esna and the Dendera Temple complex in Qena

• Aswan’s High Dam and a Nubian village

The voyage ends with a final night in Cairo. The Total Eclipse on the Nile itinerary is scheduled for 2027 and will give travellers the opportunity to experience a total solar eclipse alongside the broader Egypt program.

Fleet growth

Viking said it expects to take delivery of 19 additional river ships by 2028, 11 ocean ships by 2032 and two expedition ships by 2031. Based on its current committed orderbook, the company projects a fleet of 114 river ships by 2028 and 28 ocean and expedition ships by 2032.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.