Viking, AmaWaterways Add New Ships for Nile River Cruises in Egypt
Viking's new Nile River cruise ship carries up to 82 passengers for immersive voyages in Egypt. (Photo courtesy of Viking)
Viking has expanded its fleet of luxury ships sailing in Egypt with the debut of the new Viking Hathor. This is the third identical 82-passenger ship offering Viking’s popular “Pharaohs & Pyramids” cruises in Egypt.
About Viking Hathor
The ships features 41 elegant cabins and is inspired by Viking’s award-winning river and ocean ships. These vessels integrate traditional Egyptian decor with the pleasant Scandinavian design for which Viking is known. Viking Hathor is an identical sister ship to Viking Osiris and Viking Aton.
I have cruised on Viking Osiris when this first-in-the-fleet ship debuted and had an incredible experience.
Check out my vlogs showing off the experiences as well as tours of the ship and staterooms.
These ships offer a distinctive square bow and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace.
Additional ships in Viking’s Egypt fleet include Viking Ra and MS Antares.
A Look at the Immersive Pharaohs & Pyramids Itinerary
Travelers begin with a three-night stay at a first-class hotel in Cairo, the bustling capital city of Egypt, where they can visit iconic sites such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the necropolis of Sakkara, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali or the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Cruisers then fly to Luxor, where they visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak before boarding one of Viking’s deluxe river ships for an eight-day roundtrip cruise on the Nile River.
These trips feature visits to the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens and the tomb of King Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings. You also can enjoy excursions to the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Dendera Temple complex in Qena, the temples at Abu Simbel and the High Dam in Aswan, and a visit to a colorful Nubian village, where you will visit an elementary school.
The Viking Nile River cruise concludes with a flight back to Cairo for a final night in the ancient city.
Pre-Cruise and Post-Cruise Extensions in Egypt
Viking’s land extensions in Egypt provide exclusive access to archives and exhibits. Cruisers who pick the five-day “British Collections of Ancient Egypt” extension will begin the journey in London, where they will meet their Viking tour director, who is an expert Egyptologist.
The tours come with access to two museums: first a private early-morning visit to the Egyptian Collection at the British Museum before it opens to the general public and then a visit to the home and personal museum of world-renowned architect Sir John Soane.
This tour will be illuminated by candlelight and feature a re-enactment of how Soane entertained guests and showcased his exquisite collection of Egyptian antiquities, including a 3,000-year-old sarcophagus.
You’ll also visit London’s Petrie Museum, which houses more than 80,000 artifacts from ancient Egypt and Sudan. In Oxford, it’s a visit to Ashmolean Museum, one of the oldest in the world and home to a varied collection of Egyptian mummies and art. Here, you’ll go behind the scenes at Oxford University’s Griffith Institute to enjoy special access to Howard Carter’s archives, which detail his discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Lastly, you’ll experience an exclusive visit to Highclere Castle to view the Earl of Carnarvon’s magnificent private collection of Egyptian artifacts, as well as archives and exhibits not typically accessible to the public.
Additional offerings include a three-night pre-cruise tour in Istanbul, where you see the highlights of the city and visit important religious sites, including the Blue Mosque and the legendary Hagia Sophia. After concluding the Nile River voyage, travelers also can extend their journeys with a 4-night extension to Jordan (Petra) on the “Dead Sea & Amman” tour to view Roman antiquities at Jerash, Crusader-era castles at Kerak or Shobak and experience the lost city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
AmaWaterways’ AmaLilia Begins Nile River Cruises
The new AmaLilia from AmaWaterways offers 11-night voyages in Egypt on the Nile River. (Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways)
AmaWaterways launched its newest ship when the 82-passenger AmaLilia started cruising on the Nile River.
The beautiful new ship offers a special design with regionally inspired décor throughout and 41 staterooms, including 13 suites. The luxurious new ship embarked on its inaugural journey in April 2024.
The 11-night Secrets of Egypt & the Nile Itinerary
The cruise and land experience includes a seven-night round trip river cruise from Luxor. The program includes three nights in Cairo ahead of the cruise and one night back in. The capital city to cap off your journey.
Cruisers stay at the prestigious St. Regis Cairo, overlooking the Nile River.
“Few countries grip the imagination quite like Egypt, with its massive pyramids, secret tombs, colorful markets and the majestic Nile River coursing through it all,” said Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice president of AmaWaterways. “There is no better way to discover Egypt than by cruising the Nile,”
AmaWaterways now has two cruise ships for Nile River voyages, with AmaLilia joining the 72-passenger AmaDahlia.
The round-trip cruises from Luxor include two nights in Aswan.
About AmaLilia
The sun deck offers relaxing seating and views for Nile River cruises on AmaLilia. (Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways)
Newly designed to accommodate 82 cruisers, AmaLilia features 41 luxurious staterooms that offer panoramic views. The ship’s 13 suites offer up to 522 square feet of space. The ship has a sun deck bar and swimming pool, fitness room, hair and nail salon, massage room and two restaurants — The Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table — serving cuisine that highlights regional flavors.
The program offers nightly entertainment, and travelers are accompanied by knowledgeable Egyptologists who stay on the ship and join them on enriching excursions.
The “Secrets of Egypt & the Nile” cruise itinerary” provides travelers with a unique opportunity to experience the ancient wonders of Egypt, guided by experts through UNESCO World Heritage sites and locations such as the Great Hypostyle Hall of Karnak, the mesmerizing Temple of Luxor, and the sprawling Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens. While in Cairo, you will visit the Egyptian Museum and come face-to-face with Egyptian treasures at the UNESCO-designated ancient capital of Memphis. Tours also take you to see the colossal statue of Ramses II, the Alabaster Sphinx, and the necropolis of Sakkara, home to the famous step pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest pyramid on earth.
Additionally, enjoy a private tour and gourmet lunch at the Abdeen Presidential Palace, the principal workplace of the president of Egypt and one of the most luxurious palaces in the world.
“With its rich history and legendary landmarks, Egypt is one of the most fascinating destinations in the world,” said Rudi Schreiner, president and co-founder of AmaWaterways. “The launch of our second ship in Egypt underscores our confidence in the country's timeless appeal and the unforgettable experiences it offers."
AmaLilia will cruise this itinerary, sailing round trip from Luxor and offering a Cairo program with intra-Egypt flights between Cairo and Luxor, seasonally from September to June each year.