viking cruise egypt 2023 Review

Here’s a full review of Viking Cruises in Egypt (2023), focusing especially on the Nile River voyage / Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary. I’ll cover the good, the less good, what to expect, and whether it’s worth doing. If you want, I can also compare with other Nile cruises later.

Table of Contents

Overview

Viking’s “Pharaohs & Pyramids” itinerary is a 12-day trip. It includes:

A few nights in Cairo (Great Pyramids of Giza, Sakkara, Grand Egyptian Museum etc.). Luxury Travel Advisor+2Great British Life+2
Flying to Upper Egypt, then boarding a Nile river cruise (on ships such as Viking Osiris, and starting August 2023 the Viking Aton). River Cruise Advisor+2Executive Traveller+2
Visits to iconic sites: Luxor, Karnak, Aswan, Dendera, Esna, temples, tombs. Shore excursions are a big part. River Cruise Advisor+2Executive Traveller+2
High-quality ship, modern build, signature Viking amenities, with Scandinavian design touches. River Cruise Advisor+3Executive Traveller+3Cruise Critic+3

What’s Excellent

Here are the strong points reported by many travellers in 2023:

Ship quality & comfort
- The Viking Osiris is built especially for the Nile. It’s modern, with large cabins, elegant furnishings, and good natural light. Executive Traveller+2Great British Life+2
- Amenities like the Aquavit Terrace (indoor/outdoor dining), lounges, sun deck, pool deck, shaded outdoor areas are highly praised. Executive Traveller+2Cruise Passenger+2
Itinerary & destinations
- Covers all the major ancient sites: Giza, Luxor, Karnak, temples, tombs etc., plus some less-crowded or lesser known stops (Dendera, Esna) which add variety. Cruise Critic+3Condé Nast Traveler+3River Cruise Advisor+3
- Shore excursions are well organized, often led by specialist Egyptologists. They provide depth. Cruise Critic+1
Service & dining
- One review (Cruiseline.com user) gave top marks (5/5) almost across the board for food, staff service, cabin comfort. cruiseline.com
- The variety of food is good: Egyptian specialities as well as international/European style food, well prepared. Great British Life+1
Atmosphere & design
- Quiet, relaxing progress along the Nile. Beautiful views from decks. Calm and luxurious styling. Great British Life+2Cruise Critic+2
- The experience of sailing the Nile at a slow pace allows time for reflection and enjoyment, not just ticking off sites. Great British Life+1

Less Good / What to Be Cautious Of

No cruise is perfect. These are the downsides people reported (or things to watch out for):

Physical demands / schedule intensity
- Many shore excursions are long, involve walking, sometimes climbing, early starts. Good for active travellers; less ideal for those wanting a leisurely pace. Cruise Critic+1
- Some people mentioned being “exhausted” from the number of sites per day. Cruise Critic+1
Crowds
- At popular sites (Pyramids, temples), there may be many tourists and queues. Depending on your season, this can affect how relaxed the experience feels. Reddit+1
Modern vs traditional “romanticism”
- Some travellers said while they loved the sleek design of the ship and modern comforts, it felt less “authentic” than the older, more classic-style Nile river boats. If you expected a more rustic or traditional riverboat ambiance, this might not match that vision. Cruise Critic+1
Price
- It is not cheap. Many noted that you are paying for luxury, guide excellence, brand, and all-inclusive experience. For some people, certain elements (like included vs optional extras) may make cost higher. Adelaide Now+2Cruise Passenger+2
Logistics & visa issues
- A few reviews / posts mentioned that visa applications were tricky or buggy (online forms, system glitches) if done ahead of time, so doing visa on arrival was sometimes easier. Reddit
- Also, behaviour of local transport, arrangements etc., sometimes uneven. Not many complaints, but travel-delays, humidity, heat, etc., are real and can affect comfort.

Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Yes — for many people, Viking Cruise Egypt (2023) offers a premium, very high quality Nile river experience. If you:

care about comfort and luxury,
want excellent guides and well-planned excursions,
are ok with somewhat busy days, and want to see all the major ancient sites plus some extras,

then this trip delivers a lot of value. The modern design, service, and amenities generally get high praise, and the ability to combine historical sightseeing with relaxing sailing is a strong draw.

If instead you prefer:

a slower, more rustic pace,
more time in “off the beaten path” places rather than many major tourist sites,
lower cost / more budget travel,

you may want to compare with more basic Nile cruises (smaller boats, fewer frills), or even combine city stays + independent travel.

Tips to Get the Best Experience

Based on 2023 feedback, here are suggestions:

Book outside peak-season if you can (for fewer crowds, better weather).
Choose cabin/staterooms with verandas / higher decks for better views and light.
Do some of the premium excursions (hot air balloon, private tombs) if you can afford — they often add unique value.
Start visa arrangements early, or plan to do visa on arrival (but ensure you meet requirements).
Prepare for early mornings, hot sun: sun protection, comfortable shoes, water bottles.
Bring small bills (cash) for tipping and small purchases at local markets etc.

SEO-Keyword Summary

If you are considering “Viking Cruise Egypt 2023,” here are the main takeaways:

Best for: Luxury seekers, history lovers, travellers who want both comfort and depth.
Not ideal for: Budget travellers, slow-paced travellers, or those who dislike tight schedules.
Standout: Modern ship design, food quality, inclusivity of major sites, expert guides, high service standards.

FAQs

How many people does Viking Osiris carry on the Nile?
It carries 82 guests in 41 staterooms. River Cruise Advisor+1
What is included in the “Pharaohs & Pyramids” itinerary?
It includes 3 nights in Cairo, an 8-day Nile cruise with multiple stops (Luxor, Karnak, Aswan, etc.), visits to tombs and temples, internal flights or transfers, many meals, lectures and local guides. Luxury Travel Advisor+2River Cruise Advisor+2
What level of comfort / accommodation can I expect?
Expect high-end comfort: large cabins (some with verandas), stylish décor, good public spaces, high staff/guest ratio, quality food. Executive Traveller+1
Is the food good?
Yes — travellers generally praise the food. There is Egyptian cuisine as well as international dishes, and good quality overall. Great British Life+1
What should I watch out for (weather, health, crowds)?
- Weather: very hot in summer; some months extremely hot.
- Crowds: major monuments are busy; early starts help avoid them.
- Health: bring sun protection, stay hydrated, consider motion sickness (though river cruising is gentler than ocean).
- Visa / documentation: make sure paperwork is in order.

Conclusion & CTA

If you love ancient history, want comfort, and don’t mind a fairly full itinerary, Viking’s Egypt cruise in 2023 is very strong. It manages to combine luxury and deep cultural immersion well. Of course it comes at a premium price, but many guests feel it’s worth it.