Viking has floated out its newest Nile River vessels, the Viking Ptah and Viking Sekhmet, at a shipyard in Cairo.
The float out ceremony signals the first time the ships have touched water and marks their transition into the final phase of construction. Both vessels will now move to a nearby outfitting dock for interior build and finishing works ahead of launch.
Viking Ptah is scheduled to debut in September 2026, followed by Viking Sekhmet in November 2026. Once in service, the ships will join Viking’s growing Egypt fleet and operate the cruise line’s 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.
“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.”
The new ships will join Viking’s existing Nile fleet, which includes the Viking Osiris, Viking Aton, Viking Sobek, Viking Hathor, Viking Amun and Viking Thoth. Each vessel accommodates 82 guests across 41 staterooms and features the line’s signature Scandinavian design, including an indoor-outdoor Aquavit Terrace and a square bow.
Viking’s Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary combines a land and river experience, beginning with a three-night stay in Cairo, where guests can visit sites including the Great Pyramids of Giza, Sakkara and the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Guests then fly to Luxor to begin an eight-day Nile cruise, with guided visits to key archaeological sites such as the Valley of the Kings, Karnak and Luxor temples, as well as excursions to Esna, Qena, Aswan and Abu Simbel. The itinerary concludes with a return to Cairo for a final overnight stay.
