A new Viking ship designed for sailing the River Nile has been floated out at a shipyard in Cairo.
Construction of the 82-passenger Viking Osiris will now continue as the vessel is prepared for its maiden voyage in August.
The vessel will operate a 12-day Pharaohs and Pyramids itinerary with prices starting at £5,165 per person. It will be the company’s fourth to operate on the Nile.
The launch will coincide with several key events in Egypt in 2022, including the opening of the new Grand Egyptian Museum outside Cairo on the Giza Plateau and the 100th anniversary of the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Viking chairman Torstein Hagen said: “Our guests are curious explorers, and just as the iconic explorers before them, they choose Egypt as a destination because of its unparalleled access to history and antiquities.
“This rings as true today as it did a century ago and is what we continue to hear from the guests who are currently sailing with us on the Nile, as well as the many we have hosted in the last year.
“We are proud to be the only western company to build, own and operate ships on the Nile – and we will always maintain our commitment to creating meaningful experiences that are focused on the destination.
“Particularly during this milestone year for Egypt, we look forward to welcoming guests on board Viking Osiris and introducing them to the country’s many cultural treasures.”