Here’s what the naming ceremony of the ships is like
Have you ever stood in the shadow of history, feeling like an extra in a movie about ancient secrets and grand adventures? That’s exactly how I felt last month in Luxor, Egypt, where Viking unveiled their two newest river ships: the Viking Hathor and the Viking Sobek.
There’s something surreal about sipping a cocktail at dusk on the banks of the Nile while history looms over you like a half-forgotten ghost. And last month, Luxor, Egypt, played host to yet another chapter in its 4,000-year-old story. Viking unveiled two new additions to its Nile fleet: the Viking Hathor and the Viking Sobek.
The ships, named after Egyptian deities (Hathor, the goddess of love, and Sobek, the crocodile god), were welcomed with a ceremony that managed to balance corporate pomp with a nod to history. The Hon. Edward Herbert, great-great-grandson of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon—the man who bankrolled the discovery of King Tut’s tomb—stood as the godfather of the Viking Hathor. If there’s a more poetic way to connect past and present, I’d like to hear it.
The Godfathers and Their Stories
Let me tell you, Viking doesn’t do things halfway. The two ceremonial godfathers weren’t just figureheads; they came with stories that made history nerds (like me) absolutely giddy.
Then there was Mohamed El Banna, godfather of the Viking Sobek and a living legend in Egypt’s tourism scene. Listening to him talk about his lifelong mission to share Egypt’s treasures with the world made me realize that this event wasn’t just about launching ships—it was about carrying on a legacy of exploration.
The Ships: Floating Elegance on the Nile
Now, let’s get to the stars of the show: the Viking Hathor and Viking Sobek. These beauties are chef’s kiss. With only 41 staterooms and a vibe that screams understated luxury, they’re basically boutique hotels gliding down the Nile. Think Scandinavian minimalism meets Egyptian flair—sleek wood finishes, expansive windows, and yes, the famous Aquavit Terrace for that perfect morning coffee as you cruise past palm-lined riverbanks.
Viking ship captain and new ship pictures
They’re sister ships to the Viking Aton and Viking Osiris, so if you’ve sailed on one of those, you already know what to expect: the best of Viking’s attention to detail. And let’s not forget their itinerary, the iconic 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids journey, which is a bucket-list dream.
A Celebration to Remember
Sissel Kyrkjebø, Viking ship godmother and Norwegian soprano serenaded us as we ate dinner
The ceremony didn’t end with the ship naming, of course. This is Viking we’re talking about—they know how to throw a party. Afterward, we headed to the breathtaking Karnak Temple, illuminated against the night sky. If you’ve never dined in an ancient temple, let me tell you: it’s an experience. The sound of a live performance by Sissel Kyrkjebø, Viking’s go-to soprano, echoed off the ancient columns. She sang the Egyptian, Norwegian, and UK national anthems in their native tongues, leaving all of us (including me, the shameless crier) a little misty-eyed.
Karnak temple
And yes, I did get a little too excited about snapping pics of my dinner plate—because how often can you say, “This mezze was served in the same place pharaohs once walked”?
Viking: A Modern Adventure on an Ancient River
As we concluded our tour of Karnak temple it was clear: this was more than just a celebration of two new boats. It was a reminder of why the Nile has always been more than a river. It’s a lifeline, a storyteller, and now, thanks to Viking, a stage for modern exploration.
If you’re still debating whether to book that ticket, stop. The Nile waits for no one, and Viking’s new fleet is raising the bar on how to see it.
So, here’s my advice: if you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the pyramids, standing in awe in the Valley of the Kings, or sipping tea as the Nile drifts past, Viking’s newest ships are calling your name. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like Egypt, and there’s no better way to see it than from the deck of a Viking river ship.
