Viking 's two newest Nile River ships — Viking Ptah and Viking Sekhmet — have been launched, a significant milestone in their construction and the first time both vessels have touched the water. They are scheduled to debut in September and November 2026, respectively, and will join the company's growing fleet of state-of-the-art ships in Egypt, operating the popular 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary .
“Egypt is a truly exceptional destination, renowned for its stunning history, ancient culture, and the unique power of the Nile,” said Torstein Hagen, president and CEO of Viking. “With the launch of our two new ships, we look forward to further expanding our elegant fleet on the Nile and welcoming more curious travelers eager to discover this extraordinary region in the years to come.”.
The traditional launching ceremonies for the Viking Ptah and the Viking Sekhmet took place at the Massara shipyard in Cairo and are especially significant as they mark each ship's transition to the final phase of construction. From now on, both will be moved to a nearby dock to complete their outfitting and interior work.
The new Viking Ptah and Viking Sekhmet are the latest twin ships to join the Viking fleet in Egypt, which also includes the Viking Osiris, Viking Aton, Viking Sobek, Viking Hathor, Viking Amun and Viking Thoth.
Owned and operated by the company, each of these ships accommodates 82 passengers in 41 cabins and incorporates signature Viking features, such as its efficiently designed square bow, the Aquavit indoor/outdoor sundeck, and elegant Scandinavian aesthetics. Together, they represent the most modern fleet currently sailing the Nile River.
During the 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary , travelers begin with a three-night stay in a high-class hotel in Cairo, from where they can visit iconic sites such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Saqqara necropolis, the Muhammad Ali Mosque, or the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Accompanied by a Viking Egyptologist, passengers then fly to Luxor, where they visit the temples of Luxor and Karnak before embarking on an eight-day round-trip cruise up the Nile.
The tour includes visits to Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Dendera Temple Complex in Qena, the temples of Abu Simbel, and the Aswan Dam. It also offers the opportunity to visit a colorful Nubian village and its traditional school.
The trip concludes with a flight back to Cairo, where travelers spend one last night in this historic city.
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