Viking adds to Egypt fleet by floating Viking Thoth on Nile River before it sets sail in October

Viewing the ancient sights of Egypt by water is increasingly popular, with many luxury ships ready to glide down the Nile River.

And global cruise line Viking has floated another ship, bringing its total of river vessels in Egypt to eight.

Viking Thoth, named after the ancient Egyptian god of writing and learning, touched water for the first time during a traditional float-out ceremony at Massara shipyard in Cairo.

The state-of-the-art vessel will now be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for the final stage of construction and interior build-out before it makes its grand debut in October.

Viking Thoth is an identical sister ship to Viking Osiris, Viking Aton, Viking Sobek, Viking Hathor and Viking Amun — a testament to demand from international guests seeking experiences that blend culture and comfort.

And the award-winning cruise line isn’t stopping there, with plans to launch a further four vessels in Egypt by 2027.

Viking chair Torstein Hagen says the ships are an ideal way to explore the Nile River.

“Egypt is a country of profound historical and cultural significance, which makes it a destination of great interest to our guests,” he says.

“With two new ships, the Viking Thoth and the Viking Amun, debuting in 2025, we are very proud to continue expanding our elegant fleet and introducing more curious travellers to this phenomenal region.”

Decked out in the brand’s signature Scandinavian design, Viking Thoth has the capacity to host 82 guests in 41 well-appointed staterooms and includes a unique viewing area that blends indoor and outdoor, the Aquavit Terrace and Lounge.

Once it sets off later this year the ship will service Viking’s popular Pharaohs and Pyramids itinerary, a 12-day journey that begins in Cairo and covers many of history’s most famed archaeological sites, including the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Temples of Luxor, the Valley of the Queens and the tomb of Tutankhamen.