Viking has held a naming ceremony for its two newest Nile river ships in Luxor, Egypt.
The ceremony for Viking Hathor and Viking Sobek took place at Viking’s exclusive docking location, followed by a celebratory dinner inside the Karnak Temple and a performance by Sissel Kyrkjebø, a leading crossover soprano and godmother of Viking Jupiter.
The Hon. Edward Herbert served as ceremonial godfather to Viking Hathor.
His great-great-grandfather was the fifth Earl of Carnarvon, a benefactor and co-explorer of Howard Carter who excavated King Tutankhamen’s tomb near Luxor on November 4, 1922.
Mohamed El Banna served as ceremonial godfather for Viking Sobek.
He is founder of Cosmos Egypt and a member of the Egyptian senate.
The 82-guest ships were built in Massara shipyard in Cairo and are identical sister ships to Viking Aton and Viking Osiris.
They are designed to navigate the Nile River on the 12-day Pharaoh’s & Pyramids itinerary.
Torstein Hagen, Viking chairman and chief executive said: “Today, we are proud to welcome the Viking Hathor and the Viking Sobek to our growing fleet in Egypt. Along with their sister ships, we believe they are by far the most elegant vessels on the Nile.
“We are very grateful for our continued close friendship with the Carnarvon family and that Eddie has honoured us by serving as godfather of the Viking Hathor. For more than 15 years, Mohamed El Banna has been a part of the extended Viking family, helping to take good care of our guests in Egypt, and it is a great honour that he is serving as godfather of the Viking Sobek.
“As our award-winning fleet on the Nile continues to grow, we look forward to introducing even more curious travellers to this phenomenal destination.”
Pictured: Torstein Hagen and Karine Hagen with Egyptian officials and members of the extended Viking family at the naming ceremony