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For the most up-to-date testing, masking and vaccination requirements aboard Viking Osiris, visit Viking's health and safety information page. You can also use Cruise Critic's guide to health requirements on the world’s major cruise lines as we know them. The temptation, because of the heat, is to pack shorts and tank tops, but you'll be more comfortable -- and will avoid sunburn -- by packing in layers and considering linens and breathable fabrics.
Ship Features
The High Dam created the 300-mile-long Lake Nasser, which now offers irrigation and electricity. Cruisers can tour the dam and later ride a traditional wooden felucca boat on the Nile River. The Viking Osiris Nile River cruise itinerary visits Luxor for some of the most-anticipated days of adventure. Viking offers a premium shore excursion that is that rare one-of-a-kind experience. While these comfortable ships certainly set the standard for Nile River cruising, that’s only part of what makes a Viking river cruise in Egypt such a wonderful experience. We sailed on one of the first voyages on Viking Osiris and found a host of great activities that travelers will love.
Ships
Discover the civilization that rose along its banks, starting with Cairo, the Pyramids, and the Sphinx. Explore Luxor’s legendary temples and tombs, then cruise to Aswan, stopping in ancient Edfu, Kom Ombo and more. Viking’s Nile River cruise program starts with three nights at a luxury hotel in Cairo. You begin your immersive journey in Egypt’s capital, where you have a comfortable place to eat and relax — and even enjoy the pool, spa, restaurants, and fitness center — after your long flight to Egypt. Other perks include free shipwide Wi-Fi; two flat-panel TVs in each suite; an onboard spa and lectures on local culture, history and architecture conducted by Egyptologists, who also lead shore excursions.
What Is a Typical Viking River Cruise in Egypt Like?
Journey through the world’s most exciting destinations with The World’s Leading River Cruise Line. There are currently two more Nile ships under construction coming in 2024 (Viking Hathor) and 2025 (Viking Sobek) with the potential for many more. According to Viking, Nile itineraries are its fastest-selling product at the moment. Explore the city of ancient monuments, many of which have stood for thousands of years. Meet locals in a Nubian village, explore the Temples of Philae and discover how papyrus is made. See the Valley of the Kings, Queen Nefertari’s tomb and Queen Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple.
We were charmed by the young children seen playing and swimming along the Nile’s banks, waving excitedly to greet us as we sailed past. On Viking Aton, another unique perk is the long, infinity-edge plunge pool that stretches along the aft of the ship with cushioned lounge chairs positioned perfectly for aft-facing views. This is similar to what is available on Viking Osiris and the next two river ships under construction. One of history’s greatest civilizations emerged along the banks of the Nile.
For those that purchase air through Viking, onboard gratuities and transfers are part of the package, too. Other cruise lines on the Nile may vary in their offering, but those familiar with Viking will find the same inclusions in Egypt they know elsewhere. The cruise portion of the trip begins and ends in Luxor as part of the line’s Pharaohs & Pyramids trip, which is the only Viking itinerary. All Nile River itineraries feature a three-night stay in Cairo at a first-class hotel before you sail.
Just off Aquavit Terrace is a small area for sunning and the ship's small infinity-style pool. The large sun deck located on the upper deck with its lovely wooden sun beds and stylish rattan furniture provides a relaxing place to sit and enjoy the spectacular views of the Nile. There is a swimming pool ideal for a refreshing dip during the day and a deck bar offering cool refreshments. This is where you can see tens of thousands of pieces from the times of the ancient pharaohs. These include magnificent sarcophaguses, statues, tools, jewelry, murals, writings, and the famed golden mask of King Tut.
Because of the go-go-go schedule during the day, The Lounge is busier at night. When in Aswan, though, I highly recommend Viking’s premium excursion (added fee) that takes cruisers to Abu Simbel. Plus, the story of the rediscovery and a massive relocation project to preserve them is fascinating. Viking covers the fee for a short camel ride and photo opportunity during your visit to the Great Pyramid site. It’s thrilling to nestle atop of one of these fascinating animals and feel it lift you high above the Sahara to saunter along the sand for about 15 minutes. Your guides will happily snap an iconic photo of you astride your camel with the stunning pyramids in the background.
The atrium is open to four decks and supported by four main columns inspired by the ancient Avenue of the Sphinxes and the four statues of Ramses II and Abu Simbel. The Nordic minimalism remains (don’t worry, no flashy Egyptian imitations here), but the design ethos is notable. A full quarter of the staterooms are true two-room suites, including two massive Explorer Suites.
Highlights in Cairo include the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, shopping in local markets, the necropolis of Saqqara and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. All tours include domestic airfare and the pre-sailing Cairo visit as part of the package. The cruise ship fuel surcharge is additional revenue to Viking Cruises, as are any additional charges relating to currency fluctuation other than for fully paid cruise fares and full fares. Once you notice the other ships sailing the river (including from reputable hotel brands), it is immediately clear that Viking’s ships are the newest on the Nile. Most ships tend to be stacked high with four to five decks and a shorter length. There are strict standards for ships sailing this river, which means they must meet length and depth guidelines.
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Viking ships in Egypt feature the same livery on the façade like others in the fleet with the name prominently listed. Viking generally has a demographic of 55-plus, and on Osiris for the Nile River and Egypt, which is a bit of a bucket-list trip, the age is slightly older. Expect a chatty cruise with people who want to share their experiences at the end of the day.
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To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below. Food on Viking Osiris offers an international menu designed to appeal to a mostly American audience. Overall, we were impressed with the quality, though the selection at times felt a little limited. The Viking Osiris deck plan offers five passenger levels, arranged around a beautiful midsection filled with floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights that span three full decks.
A Nile River cruise with Viking begins with three nights in Cairo at a luxury hotel. Tours will be divided into two buses with a program director that has extensive knowledge of Egyptology leading each group. Like on other Viking ships, you receive a Vox listening device that provides an easy way to stay connected with guides to hear their expertise while not having to stay in a tight group. Look closely, and you’ll also notice many Norse mythology references throughout the art, fabric and design choices. Discover the civilization that rose along its banks, starting with Cairo, the Pyramids and the Sphinx.
Owned and operated by Viking, Viking Osiris is a brand new vessel, the most upscale ship in Egypt, and the sister ship to Viking Aton and Viking Hathor. Specifically built to navigate the Nile, she is a state-of-the-art vessel—designed in the clean, elegant Scandinavian aesthetic for which Viking is known. Discover new horizons as you spend more time in port, giving you more opportunities to explore. There are daily tour options that can vary by port and time of day with some lasting a couple of hours, but others can be longer given the extent of the place being visited. Like other Viking cruises, there is always breakfast available before tours, with lighter options for late risers.
Viking's ships on the Nile have similar aesthetics to other river vessels in the fleet, but there are notable differences, too. This confirms that people are curious about sailing the Nile River with Viking. If you’re one of them, here’s everything you need to know about a Viking river ship in Egypt. Look out for Egyptian Night, when dinner is served family style and consists of traditional dishes from the region. This was a hit for our cruise, and we loved talking over the dishes and trying new things, like an incredibly tasty date tart. The Lounge, where guests gather for lectures and drinks, is also located on Deck 4, across from the Aquavit Terrace.
With the launch of Viking Osiris, the line is able to continue that tradition in Egypt, where the ship sails along the famous Nile River. Hosting 82 guests in 41 staterooms, the new, state-of-the-art Viking Hathor is inspired by Viking’s award-winning river and ocean ships with the elegant Scandinavian design for which Viking is known. The Viking Hathor is the identical sister ship to the Viking Aton, which debuts in August 2023, and the Viking Osiris, which was named in 2022 by Viking’s first ceremonial godfather, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon. The sister ships feature several aspects familiar to Viking guests, such as a distinctive square bow and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace.
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