# What happened Viking has taken delivery of a new river ship custom-built for the Nile called Viking Sekhmet. The handover occurred during a ceremony at the Massara shipyard in Cairo, Egypt. Viking Sekhmet will join Viking's Nile fleet and operate the company's 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.
# Ship basics Viking Sekhmet carries 82 guests in 41 cabins and is a sister ship to most of Viking's Nile fleet. The design and capacity follow Viking's established Nile-ship pattern used across its other vessels on the river.
# What the itinerary includes Viking's 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids program pairs an onshore Cairo stay with a multi-night Nile cruise:
- Seven nights aboard Viking Sekhmet as it sails up and down the Nile.
- A final night in Cairo after the cruise before guests depart for home.
During the cruise portion, scheduled visits and excursions include the Temples of Luxor and Karnak, the tomb of Tutankhamen in the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Dendera Temple complex in Qena, the High Dam in Aswan, and a visit to a Nubian village with a stop at a local elementary school.
# What's included on Viking Sekhmet All cruises on Viking Sekhmet come with:
- One shore excursion in every port
- Free Wi-Fi
- All onboard meals, plus drinks during meals
- 24-hour specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water
- Visits to UNESCO sites listed on the itinerary
# Company comment Leah Talactac, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viking, said: "The Nile has connected people with the history and culture of Egypt for thousands of years, and it continues to be a destination that inspires curious travelers. With the arrival of the elegant Viking Sekhmet, we are pleased to offer even more opportunities for curious travelers to explore Egypt in Viking comfort."
# Why this matters to travelers Viking's addition of another purpose-built Nile ship increases capacity on a popular itinerary that combines land-based sightseeing in Cairo with an extended cruise on the Nile. For travelers planning a Pharaohs & Pyramids trip, the delivery signals more available sailings on a program that includes major archaeological sites and curated cultural stops.
# Bottom line Viking Sekhmet is a new, Nile-specific vessel now entering service for Viking's established 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary. The ship's guest capacity and included services align with Viking's current Nile offerings, and the itinerary pairs Cairo's major sights with a weeklong river cruise that visits key temples, tombs, and a Nubian village experience.