VESSEL REVIEW | Viking Hathor & Viking Sobek – Viking's 82-guest newbuilds to sail on Nile River cruises
US-based Viking Cruises recently took delivery of two new river cruise ships in a series. Built at the Cairo facilities of Egyptian company The Arab Contractors, the 82-guest Viking Sobek and Viking Hathor will join Viking's fleet of ships that were designed to operate on the Nile River.
Spacious staterooms and amenities
Like their earlier sister ships Viking Osiris and Viking Aton, the two newbuilds each have a length of 236 feet (71.9 metres), a beam of 92 feet (28 metres), a gross tonnage of 3,600, 41 outside staterooms distributed across three decks, and a crew complement of 48.
The stateroom options include twelve 232-square-foot (21.6-square-metre) standard staterooms, twenty-one 239-square-foot (22.2-square-metre) veranda staterooms, six 409-square-foot (38-square-metre) veranda suites, and two 525-square-foot (48.8-square-metre) larger suites. The suites each have two full-size rooms and a veranda, and all cabins have wifi connectivity, individual climate control, and a flatscreen TV with infotainment system.
Among the other onboard facilities are a sun deck with a pool and 360-degree views, a lounge/bar, a restaurant, a lobby, and a retail shop. The ships also each boast a lecture hall and a library with a wide selection of books on history, culture, and other related subjects in line with Viking's aim of being the "The Thinking Person's Cruise Line" with the focus on educating rather than entertaining guests during each voyage. In the case of the Nile cruise ships, Egyptologists will serve as guides to help guests learn more about Egypt, particularly the various stops in each itinerary.
Some of the common areas have floor-to-ceiling doors and windows, while a lift provides access between the main deck and the pool deck. Egyptian-inspired design elements such as columns are also found on board.
Visits included to famed sites
The vessels also feature several aspects unique to ships in the Viking river fleet, such as a distinctive square bow and an indoor/outdoor terrace with a viewing space and an al fresco dining area that serves both Egyptian and international cuisine.
Viking Sobek and Viking Hathor will sail on eight-night cruises of the Nile beginning and ending at Luxor. Among the famed sites to be visited by guests are the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Abu Simbel, a Nubian village, and the High Dam in Aswan.
