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By the end of the cruise, you will have a greater understanding and appetite for the country’s cuisine. On the Egypt ships, the standard cabins on the main deck have windows that reach waist-level instead of only narrow ceiling windows, and since these lack balconies, they feel longer and larger as a result. Many of the design influences of the main restaurant are drawn from Egyptian markets using woven accents and wood panels.
Highlights of the Nile River
Review: The "Viking Aton" Launches on Egypt’s Nile River - AFAR Media
Review: The "Viking Aton" Launches on Egypt’s Nile River.
Posted: Mon, 18 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Owned and operated by Viking, MS Antares is a classic ship, your floating oasis as you immerse yourself in ancient Egypt. She is a spacious, state-of-the-art vessel with a refined, understated ambience. Viking's ships on the Nile have similar aesthetics to other river vessels in the fleet, but there are notable differences, too. For the most up-to-date testing, masking and vaccination requirements aboard Viking Osiris, visit Viking's health and safety information page. You can also use Cruise Critic's guide to health requirements on the world’s major cruise lines as we know them. Women in Egypt often wear head scarves or abayas, and dress overall is modest.
Pharaohs & Pyramids Map
Journey through the world’s most exciting destinations with The World’s Leading River Cruise Line. The ship shines when it comes to Egyptian dishes, and those who want to explore new dishes will be rewarded with flavorful options that you will remember for ages. We adore the little spaces Viking has created for guests to escape, especially the small window-side seating area in the Deck 3 Atrium. It sits in its new place with a striking facade of four enormous statues of Ramses II guarding the entrance of the sandstone temples.
NEW! Cities of Antiquity
Lunch and dinner times depend on the tour times, and local entertainers may sometimes board to add some fun to the experience. Look closely, and you’ll also notice many Norse mythology references throughout the art, fabric and design choices. Viking spends two days in Aswan, and this is a chance to learn about the High Dam project and how it was built in the 1960s to provide stability to the fertile lands along the Nile. Before the dam, the region had problems with flood conditions ruining crops and leading to famine.
When in Aswan, though, I highly recommend Viking’s premium excursion (added fee) that takes cruisers to Abu Simbel. Plus, the story of the rediscovery and a massive relocation project to preserve them is fascinating. Edfu is fun to visit, especially because you can enjoy a ride to the Temple of Horus on a traditional horse-drawn caliche. You wander down long passages to visit chambers, with every wall ornately decorated with colorful murals. The art depicted the daily life and religious doctrine of ancient Egyptians.
The ship is exceptionally appointed, with large cabins, nooks aplenty for escaping and viewing areas for watching life unfold on the Nile. Shore excursions are fascinating, though a little exhausting, and crew -- especially the onboard program directors -- are 100% passenger focused. With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan, and Esna all offer opportunities to visit small and large souks (marketplaces), where you can shop for souvenirs, regional foods, spices, or other items of interest.
In this sacred place, ancient myth says that the falcon god Horus battled his uncle Seth after Seth brutally killed Horus’s father Osiris. To honor Horus, the people of Edfu built a grand temple from 237 to 57 BC, a young structure by Egyptian standards. Egyptologists have paid particular interest to its design, as it closely resembles that of much older temples.
Food on Viking Osiris Blends American Favorites with Regional Specialties
Viking Cruises on the Nile River - Cruise Critic
Viking Cruises on the Nile River.
Posted: Mon, 28 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Other cruise lines on the Nile may vary in their offering, but those familiar with Viking will find the same inclusions in Egypt they know elsewhere. At least one daily shore excursion is included in your Viking Osiris cruise fare, and they are enriching and fascinating. Led by specialists who know everything about Egypt (including how to read hieroglyphics!), shore tours will visit all the highlights, including the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, Abu Simbel, Luxor and Karnak temples and much more.
Viking Announces Additional Sailings In Egypt
Viking Osiris cabins span Decks 1 through 3 and overall are spacious and offer lots of space, no matter the category. These cabins are modern through and through, and no detail was missed, from heated bathroom floors to multiple USB ports and outlets for charging power. When Viking launched its first purpose-built Nile River cruise ship in August 2022, voyages through the heart of Egypt immediately became more accessible, luxurious, and exciting. Visit one of Egypt’s most complete ancient temples, buried and preserved under desert sands for 2,000 years.
Tours will be divided into two buses with a program director that has extensive knowledge of Egyptology leading each group. Like on other Viking ships, you receive a Vox listening device that provides an easy way to stay connected with guides to hear their expertise while not having to stay in a tight group. Viking generally has a demographic of 55-plus, and on Osiris for the Nile River and Egypt, which is a bit of a bucket-list trip, the age is slightly older. Expect a chatty cruise with people who want to share their experiences at the end of the day. Many passengers will have sailed with Viking before and are fans of the cruise line.
This is similar to what is available on Viking Osiris and the next two river ships under construction. In the cabins, Viking’s signature toiletries, heated bathroom floors and towel racks, and bottled water are standard. If you’ve sailed with Viking before, only the size of the ship and some of the artwork may seem different. The ship's main dining room, The Restaurant, is located on Deck 3, offering three meals a day. Directly above it is Aquavit Terrace, a Viking staple that features an indoor/outdoor space offering a more casual approach to dining. Just off Aquavit Terrace is a small area for sunning and the ship's small infinity-style pool.
This UNESCO World Heritage site was moved in 1968 to accommodate the construction of the Aswan Dam that controls the flow of the vital Nile River. Karnak Temple is one of the largest in the world and the second-most visited tourist site in Egypt, ranking behind the Great Pyramid Complex. The Luxor and Karnak Temple complexes are filled with a mix of well-preserved and decaying chapels, massive pylons and columns, and other structures on which construction began more than 4,000 years ago. These sprawling sites are filled with carvings, statues, and engravings that depict stories and cultural aspects of society at the time.
The cruise line opted to use existing ships, tear them down to their mandated hull design and rebuild them to Viking standards from the steel frame up. Viking's Nile ships are smaller than the line’s “Longships,” with only 41 cabins for 82 guests (less than half the size of Longships). But, the public areas seem rather spacious thanks to the traditional lounge area plus numerous other seating options. While the main lounge is laid out in a familiar fashion to other ships, it has Egyptian-themed artwork and photography. You’ll also notice that the entrance to al fresco desks is on the side and closer to the center of the ship (due to its shorter length) rather than at the back of the lounge. You won't get bored, as each offers its own charms.You'll also have the option of taking premium tours, like a visit to King Tut's tomb or a sunrise hot-air balloon ride in the Valley of the Kings.
Nearby, an ancient settlement provides hints of life along the Nile, with its interesting artifacts dating as far back as 3100 BC. One of history’s greatest civilizations emerged along the banks of the Nile. Discover its secrets with Viking as our expert Egyptologists take you from the pyramids of Cairo and the temples of Luxor to the desert outpost of Aswan and beyond.
The Viking ships in Egypt showcase the company's signature Nordic design inspirations with minimalist, colorful design as well as the square-like bows that allow it to travel more efficiently with more space for passengers. Viking ships in Egypt feature the same livery on the façade like others in the fleet with the name prominently listed. During your trip, you might purchase a traditional galabeya, to wear on Egyptian night. Food on Viking Osiris offers an international menu designed to appeal to a mostly American audience. Overall, we were impressed with the quality, though the selection at times felt a little limited. The Viking Osiris deck plan offers five passenger levels, arranged around a beautiful midsection filled with floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights that span three full decks.
