Viking River Acquires and Renovates Ship for Longer Nile River Cruises

Yearning for a Nile River cruise? Viking River Cruises has purchased an existing river ship to undergo a complete renovation.

Named Viking Ra, after the Egyptian sun god Ra, the line’s newest addition to their fleet will maintain their traditional sleek Scan design while adding features that blend with local influences.

All-suite river ship

With only 24 suites/staterooms and a passenger count of 48, Viking Ra features three suite stateroom categories, each of 291 sq. ft. Twenty of the suites are called Veranda suites and have a full-size veranda in the living room and a French balcony in the bedroom.

All staterooms include luxury linens, sofa, private bathroom with shower, air conditioning and flat-screen TVs.

In addition to two Jacuzzis, there is a pool at the ship’s aft. Shade from the desert sun is provided by sculptural “sail-shades” inspired by local dhow ships and intricate mashrabiya-influenced screens surrounding the Pool and Sun Deck.

A spa is also included for massage and spa treatments.

Dining is available in The Restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A separate bar and another more-typical river ship lounge serves cocktails and is the place for enrichment lectures and port talks.

Viking’s Culture Curriculum includes a Nubian evening event on board and a local experience riding a camel. An expert Egyptologist leads all excursions delving into the archaeological and historical significance of the sites.

Pharaohs & Pyramids begins March 2018

The 12-day cruisetour, includes Egypt’s cultural treasures in seven destinations. The itinerary begins with a three-night stay at a first-class hotel in Cairo, where guests can visit iconic sites such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the new Grand Egyptian Museum and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali.

Guests will then fly to Luxor to visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak and then board Viking Ra for a 8-day roundtrip cruise on the Nile River to Aswan. Highlights feature privileged access to the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens and excursions to the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Dendera Temple complex in Qena, and a visit to a colorful Nubian village where guests can experience a traditional elementary school. Finally, the journey concludes with a flight back to Cairo for a final night in the historic city.