Viking has welcomed two new ships, enhancing its fleets in both Portugal and Egypt. The cruise line says the additions reflect long-term growth plans as part of a strategy toward maintaining a leadership position in experiential travel. Based on Viking’s committed orderbook, the company expects to take delivery of 26 additional river ships by 2028 and 10 additional ocean ships by 2031. With these orders, Viking will have 112 river ships in 2028 and 23 ocean and expedition ships in 2031.
Portugal
Last week, Viking took delivery of the Viking Gyda, which will sail exclusively on Portugal’s Douro River. The delivery ceremony for the Viking Gyda took place at the West Sea shipyard in Viana do Castello, Portugal.
Built specifically for the Douro River and the popular 10-day Portugal’s River of Gold itinerary, the Viking Gyda features Viking’s elegant Scandinavian design and accommodates 106 guests in 53 staterooms. She joins sister ships the Viking Helgrim, the Viking Hemming, the Viking Osfrid and the Viking Torgil, bringing Viking’s Douro River fleet to five ships.
“With its rich history, culture and winemaking traditions, Portugal continues to be a very appealing destination for our guests,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, “We are proud to welcome the Viking Gyda to our growing fleet of award-winning river ships, and we look forward to introducing more curious travellers to Portugal and its ‘River of Gold’ in the years to come.”
Egypt
Meanwhile, on Aug. 18, Viking took delivery of Viking Amun in Cairo. Hosting 82 guests in 41 staterooms, the ship is built specifically to navigate the Nile River on Viking’s 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.
An identical sister ship to the Viking Osiris, the Viking Aton, the Viking Sobek and the Viking Hathor, the Viking Amun features several aspects familiar to Viking guests, such as a distinctive square bow and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace. Other ships in Viking’s Egypt fleet include the Viking Ra and the MS Antares.
In addition to the Viking Amun, Viking plans to welcome five other new ships in Egypt in the next two years, which will bring the company’s fleet to 12 vessels on the Nile River by 2027.
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