Viking OsirisViking Cruises has announced an expansion of its Egypt program for the 2020 season, which will include the launch of a new ship.
Built specifically for the Nile River, Viking Osiris is currently under construction and will double the company's owned capacity in Egypt when it debuts in September 2020. Furthermore, the cruise company will be launching two new Pre-Cruise Extensions next year to enhance guests' base knowledge of Egyptology prior to arriving in Cairo.
These five-day extensions to Viking's Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary will provide guests with Privileged Access to archives and exhibits in London and Oxford that are not normally accessible to the public.
During the 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, guests experience Egypt's cultural treasures in seven destinations.
“Closer to the cultures of the world”
"Egypt has inspired explorers for generations, and it remains a top destination for many of our guests," said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking. "For more than two decades, we have led the river cruise industry with our fleet development and experiences that bring travellers closer to the cultures of the world. We remain committed to Egypt, and we look forward to introducing the historic treasures of the region to even more Viking guests."
Viking Osiris, which can host 82 guests in 41 staterooms, will be a state-of-the-art ship with a Scandinavian design for which Viking is known. Viking is the first and only Western company to build, own and operate ships on the Nile.
This announcement comes as Viking guests continue to express strong interest in Egypt – just one year after the company launched Viking Ra, a completely renovated vessel and Viking's first owned and operated ship on the Nile.
