Viking Celebrates Milestone with the Arrival of Two New Vessels Viking Honir and Viking Thoth Unveiled in Ceremonies in Basel, Switzerland and Cairo, Egypt

Published on October 15, 2025

Viking® has revealed the arrival of its latest river vessels, the Viking Honir and the Viking Thoth. The Viking Honir will navigate the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers, while the Viking Thoth will cruise the Nile River. The Viking Honir’s handover ceremony occurred in Basel, Switzerland, and the Viking Thoth was officially delivered at the Massara shipyard in Cairo, Egypt.

“We are proud to welcome the Viking Honir and the Viking Thoth to our growing river fleet,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “With the arrival of these elegant new ships, we are pleased to offer even more curious travelers the opportunity to explore some of the world’s most iconic waterways in Viking comfort.” 

The Viking Honir: A New Era in River Cruising

Viking River Cruises, renowned for its luxury river cruise experiences, has added an exceptional vessel to its prestigious fleet: the Viking Honir. This latest addition to the Viking Longships® series stands out not only for its state-of-the-art amenities but also for its elegant design, offering an unforgettable journey through Europe’s most scenic rivers. With the ability to accommodate up to 190 passengers in 95 luxurious staterooms, the Viking Honir is poised to redefine river cruising along the iconic Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers.

The Viking Honir is purpose-built for seamless navigation along these historic waterways, offering an optimal balance of comfort, style, and cutting-edge technology. Its design is a testament to Viking’s commitment to Scandinavian elegance, featuring sleek lines and a sophisticated interior. One of the key highlights of the Viking Honir is its distinctive square bow, which provides greater stability and comfort for passengers, ensuring smooth sailing throughout the journey. The ship’s three full decks offer ample space for guests to relax, dine, and enjoy the stunning vistas as they cruise along Europe’s rivers.

Another standout feature of the Viking Honir is its versatile indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace. This area allows passengers to enjoy the fresh air while taking in the breathtaking views, making it an ideal spot to unwind after a day of exploring the charming cities and towns that line the riverbanks. The ship also boasts an innovative asymmetric corridor, providing more room in the staterooms and common areas, contributing to the spacious and airy feel of the vessel. For those seeking even more luxury, Viking Honir offers genuine two-room suites, ensuring guests enjoy both privacy and comfort during their voyage.

In its inaugural year, the Viking Honir will embark on several popular itineraries, including the Passage to Eastern Europe, Rhine Getaway, and Christmas on the Rhine. These journeys promise to offer an enriching blend of history, culture, and festive cheer, with carefully curated excursions that allow passengers to immerse themselves in the local traditions and landmarks. Whether cruising through the scenic landscapes of the Rhine or experiencing the vibrant Christmas markets along the river, the Viking Honir ensures an extraordinary cruising experience.

The Viking Thoth: A Royal Journey on the Nile

The Viking Thoth is another remarkable addition to Viking’s growing fleet, designed specifically to navigate the majestic Nile River. This intimate ship accommodates 82 passengers in 41 well-appointed staterooms, making it an ideal choice for those looking to explore the wonders of ancient Egypt. The Viking Thoth serves as the flagship for Viking’s celebrated Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, offering guests the chance to experience the incredible history and culture of one of the world’s most iconic rivers.

The Viking Thoth shares its design with several of Viking’s other Nile vessels, including the Viking Osiris, Viking Aton, Viking Sobek, Viking Hathor, and Viking Amun. These ships are part of Viking’s award-winning fleet, known for their modern design and exceptional service. Together, they represent the most innovative and luxurious fleet sailing along the Nile today, offering passengers an unparalleled level of comfort and sophistication.

With Viking’s commitment to excellence, the Viking Thoth features spacious staterooms with large windows, allowing passengers to take in the views of the river and surrounding landscapes. Onboard, guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a beautifully designed restaurant, a sun deck for relaxing in the warm Egyptian sun, and a bar for evening drinks. Viking’s focus on creating a truly immersive experience means that every detail of the journey is carefully crafted to bring the history of Egypt to life, from excursions to ancient temples and tombs to visits to the Great Pyramids of Giza.

Viking’s Expanding Fleet: A Vision for the Future

Viking River Cruises has long been a leader in the river cruise industry, and its commitment to expansion ensures that it will remain at the forefront of the cruising world. With an ambitious growth strategy, Viking plans to add 23 more river ships by 2028, as well as 10 additional ocean vessels by 2031. This expansion will allow Viking to continue offering exceptional experiences on both rivers and oceans, with a diverse fleet of 112 river ships and 23 ocean and expedition vessels.

This expansion is not just about increasing the size of the fleet; it is also about enhancing the passenger experience. Each new ship is designed with the same commitment to quality, comfort, and innovative design that Viking is known for. The company’s goal is to continue providing guests with personalized, enriching experiences, whether they are exploring the ancient wonders of Egypt, cruising along Europe’s iconic rivers, or discovering new destinations around the world.

Viking’s growing fleet will allow the company to serve even more destinations, bringing guests closer to the heart of each location through curated itineraries and immersive shore excursions. With each new addition to the fleet, Viking continues to redefine what it means to travel in luxury, offering travelers the opportunity to explore the world in comfort and style.

In conclusion, both the Viking Honir and the Viking Thoth exemplify the excellence and sophistication that Viking is known for. These ships, along with the rest of the expanding fleet, represent the company’s dedication to providing exceptional experiences for travelers. Whether navigating the rivers of Europe or the ancient waters of the Nile, Viking’s fleet promises to deliver unforgettable journeys for years to come.