On Jan. 26, Viking floated out its newest ship, the 82-guest Viking Osiris. The float-out marks a major construction milestone — the first time the vessel touches the water. Viking Osiris is scheduled to debut in August 2022 on Viking’s popular 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.
The ship’s debut coincides with several significant cultural events in Egypt, including the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum on the Giza Plateau and the 100th anniversary of the discovery of King Tutankhamen’s tomb by Howard Carter. Viking has a longstanding relationship with the family of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who was Carter’s benefactor. Through this partnership, guests aboard Viking Osiris will receive privileged access to exhibits and experiences tied to the 1922 discovery and the surrounding history.
© Viking
“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,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking. “This rings as true today as it did a century ago and is what we continue to hear from guests currently sailing with us on the Nile, as well as the many we have hosted in the past 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, destination-focused experiences. 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.”
The float-out ceremony took place at the Massara shipyard in Cairo, marking the start of the vessel’s final construction phase as it moves toward outfitting, trials and its inaugural season on the Nile.