egypt viking cruise Review

Egypt Viking Cruise Review: Explore Ancient Wonders in Style

A Viking cruise through Egypt offers a unique blend of luxury travel and cultural immersion. It’s the perfect way to experience the ancient wonders of Egypt, from the Pyramids of Giza to the temples along the Nile River. In this review, we’ll take a detailed look at what you can expect from a Viking cruise in Egypt, including onboard amenities, shore excursions, and the overall experience.

Overview of the Egypt Viking Cruise

The Viking Egypt cruise provides a serene and luxurious way to explore one of the world’s most historically rich countries. The cruise is typically a 12-day itinerary that takes passengers through the heart of Egypt, offering a deeper connection to its ancient civilizations. The journey usually begins in Cairo, with guided tours of iconic landmarks such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx before embarking on the main cruise portion along the Nile River.

Key Highlights:

Luxurious river cruises on the Nile
Exclusive shore excursions to famous Egyptian sites
Insightful guides with deep knowledge of Egyptian history
Comfortable accommodations onboard
Cultural experiences blending modern luxury with ancient history

The Ship: Viking Ra

The Viking Egypt cruise is hosted on Viking Ra, a purpose-built ship designed for cruising on the Nile. It blends traditional Egyptian design with modern comforts, ensuring passengers enjoy both luxury and cultural immersion.

Features:

All Balcony Staterooms: Each stateroom comes with a private balcony, offering incredible views of the Nile as you sail past lush landscapes and historic temples.
Elegant Design: The ship is thoughtfully designed with a focus on elegance and comfort. The interiors reflect ancient Egyptian motifs, creating a luxurious yet culturally respectful atmosphere.
Dining: Onboard dining options feature a variety of international and Egyptian-inspired cuisine. Enjoy both buffet and a la carte options with high-quality service.
Amenities: The ship offers a small pool, a spa, a fitness center, and a lounge for guests to relax after a day of exploring. The public areas are beautifully designed, making it a relaxing space to unwind.

Shore Excursions: Immerse in Egypt’s Ancient History

One of the major advantages of a Viking cruise is its thoughtfully curated shore excursions. Viking provides knowledgeable local guides who bring Egypt’s ancient history to life with rich, detailed commentary.

1. Cairo: Pyramids of Giza & The Sphinx

Your cruise starts with a visit to Cairo’s most iconic landmarks—the Pyramids of Giza and The Great Sphinx. These ancient wonders are one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and visiting them is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Viking guides provide fascinating insights into the history and construction of these structures.

2. Luxor: Karnak and Luxor Temples

As the cruise progresses along the Nile, you will stop in Luxor, known as the world’s greatest open-air museum. The Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple are prime examples of Egypt’s architectural grandeur. Both temples feature massive pylons, statues, and obelisks that tell the stories of ancient Egyptian gods and pharaohs.

3. Edfu: Temple of Horus

The Temple of Horus at Edfu is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. It’s dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, and its grandeur will leave you in awe. The Viking guides offer a thorough explanation of the temple’s significance and the myths associated with it.

4. Aswan: Abu Simbel Temples

A visit to the Abu Simbel Temples is another highlight of this cruise. These colossal rock-cut temples, built by Ramses II, were relocated to avoid submersion in the Nile after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The sheer scale and engineering feat are remarkable.

Dining: A Taste of Egypt and the World

Onboard, the dining experience is one of the best aspects of the Viking Egypt cruise. The Viking Ra offers a variety of dining options that allow guests to explore both international flavors and Egyptian delicacies.

The Restaurant: Serving buffet-style and a la carte meals, this dining venue offers an elegant setting to enjoy traditional Egyptian dishes like koshari, falafel, and baklava, along with Western options.
Al Fresco Dining: If you prefer outdoor dining, the ship offers alfresco meals with stunning views of the Nile. It’s the perfect spot for a light breakfast or a sunset dinner.
Complimentary Beverages: Beer, wine, and soft drinks are included during meals. You can also enjoy a selection of cocktails and spirits at the lounge.

Entertainment and Activities Onboard

Viking ensures that the cruising experience is just as enriching as the shore excursions. While sailing the Nile, guests are treated to a range of activities:

Cultural performances: Live performances of traditional Egyptian music and dance, including the famous Tanoura Dance.
Lectures and presentations: You can attend insightful talks about ancient Egyptian history, art, and archaeology, giving you a deeper understanding of the sites you visit.
Relaxation: The ship’s spa and fitness center offer opportunities for relaxation after a busy day of sightseeing. The onboard library and lounge area provide quiet spaces to unwind.

The Viking Experience: Is It Worth It?

A Viking Egypt cruise is undoubtedly a luxury experience. It provides a perfect blend of comfort, culture, and history, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an enriching yet comfortable travel experience. The service is exceptional, the guides are knowledgeable, and the opportunity to explore Egypt’s ancient treasures in style is unmatched.

However, it’s important to note that Viking’s Egypt cruises can be on the pricier side compared to other options, but considering the quality of service, the itinerary, and the luxury accommodations, it is well worth the cost for those looking for an all-inclusive, stress-free travel experience.

Pros and Cons of the Viking Egypt Cruise

Pros:

Luxurious accommodations with private balconies.
Expert guides who provide in-depth knowledge.
Exclusive shore excursions to Egypt’s top historical sites.
Excellent dining options with local and international dishes.
Comfortable onboard amenities, including a pool and spa.

Cons:

Higher price point compared to other cruise options.
Some travelers may find the itinerary a bit packed, with long days of sightseeing.

FAQs About Viking Egypt Cruises

1. How long is the Viking Egypt cruise?
The typical Viking Egypt cruise lasts 12 days, starting in Cairo and traveling down the Nile to Aswan, with several stops at famous temples and landmarks along the way.

2. What is included in the price of the cruise?
The price includes accommodations, meals (with wine and beer), shore excursions, onboard entertainment, and all transportation between sites. Flights to and from Egypt are not included.

3. Can I customize my shore excursions?
Viking offers a range of included shore excursions, but there are also optional excursions for an additional cost, such as hot air balloon rides over Luxor or private tours of the Pyramids.

4. Is the Viking Ra accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the Viking Ra is designed with accessibility in mind, offering features such as elevators and wheelchair-friendly facilities.

5. What is the dress code on the Viking Egypt cruise?
The dress code is casual during the day, but it’s recommended to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious or cultural sites. Evening attire is smart casual for dinners and onboard activities.

Conclusion: Book Your Dream Vacation Today

If you’re seeking a luxurious and culturally immersive way to explore Egypt’s ancient wonders, the Viking Egypt cruise is an unforgettable experience. With its combination of top-notch service, well-planned excursions, and stunning onboard amenities, this cruise offers a unique opportunity to see the wonders of Egypt while traveling in comfort and style.

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