Viking river ships grow with Honir and Thoth
Viking has expanded its river fleet with two new vessels, the 190-guest Viking Honir for Europe and the 82-guest Viking Thoth for Egypt's Nile. Honir is a Viking Longship purpose-built for the Rhine, Main, and Danube, while Thoth will sail the Pharaohs and Pyramids itinerary. Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen said the additions will give more curious travelers access to iconic waterways in Viking comfort. Viking also reaffirmed its orderbook, with more river and ocean ships arriving through 2031.
Key Points
- Why it matters: More capacity and itinerary choice on Europe's rivers and the Nile.
- Travel impact: Additional staterooms in peak seasons across Rhine, Main, Danube, and Nile.
- What's next: Viking plans 23 more river ships by 2028, plus 10 ocean ships by 2031.
- Honir hosts 190 guests in 95 staterooms with Aquavit Terrace and two-room suites.
- Thoth carries 82 guests, joining Viking's modern sister ships sailing the Nile.
Snapshot
Viking Honir, delivered in Basel, is the line's newest identical Viking Longship with a square bow, three full decks, an indoor and outdoor Aquavit Terrace, and true two-room suites. She will spend her inaugural season on itineraries such as Rhine Getaway, Passage to Eastern Europe, and Christmas on the Rhine. Viking Thoth, presented for delivery at Massara shipyard in Cairo, is built specifically for the Nile with 41 staterooms and a Scandinavian design mirroring Viking's ocean aesthetic. Thoth is an identical sister to Viking Osiris, Aton, Sobek, Hathor, and Amun, creating one of the most modern Nile collections.
Background
Viking has steadily grown its river presence since debuting the Longship platform, which was optimized for Europe's locks and bridges. The class emphasizes efficient hull design, airy public spaces, and alfresco dining to maximize river scenery. On the Nile, Viking has invested in a cohesive set of mid-size ships aligned to its 12-day Pharaohs and Pyramids program, which blends Cairo stays with Luxor-Aswan cruising and curated Egyptology content. The company is pursuing a balanced fleet plan, signaling continued demand for river travel alongside ocean and expedition offerings. With new deliveries scheduled through 2031, Viking is positioning for year-round traveler interest and diversified regional deployment.
Latest Developments
Viking Honir debuts on the Rhine, Main, and Danube
Hosting 190 guests in 95 staterooms, Viking Honir brings the familiar Longship blueprint to Europe's busiest corridors. Features include an asymmetric corridor for larger cabins on one side, an indoor and outdoor Aquavit Terrace, and true two-room suites that appeal to longer-itinerary travelers. The ship's inaugural year focuses on Rhine and Danube staples, with holiday sailings such as Christmas on the Rhine expected to draw strong demand. The design targets smooth operations through locks and low-bridge areas, while the Scandinavian interior keeps the brand's clean lines and light-filled lounges. For travelers, Honir adds capacity during popular spring tulip season and December markets, easing waitlists and expanding date options.
Viking Thoth strengthens Nile program
With 82 guests across 41 staterooms, Viking Thoth expands a tightly matched set of Nile sisters that includes Osiris, Aton, Sobek, Hathor, and Amun. The ship will operate the Pharaohs and Pyramids itinerary, pairing Cairo museum time with classic Luxor and Aswan temples. The vessel continues Viking's modern Scandinavian look, favoring neutral palettes and ample glass to frame the riverbanks. The intimate size limits crowding at temples and docks, and the consistent class makes swapping dates easier for travelers. As Egypt's tourism infrastructure improves, Viking's Nile fleet offers one of the most contemporary options on the river, with onboard lectures and guided tours designed for culturally focused guests.
Analysis
For Europe, adding Viking Honir should marginally relieve capacity pressure on marquee Rhine and Danube routes in shoulder and peak months. Honir's Longship platform is well proven for shallow drafts, low bridges, and tight locks, which reduces operational friction, especially in variable water conditions. The true two-room suites continue to differentiate Viking at the higher end of river categories, an advantage when competing with upscale hotel stays during Christmas market season. On the Nile, Thoth pushes Viking's strategic cluster of identical ships, improving reliability, maintenance planning, and crew training. This uniformity also streamlines guest expectations, making it easier for advisors to sell by class rather than by one-off vessel differences. Viking's public orderbook, calling for 23 more river ships by 2028 and 10 more ocean ships by 2031, signals confidence in both source markets and destination resilience. If geopolitical or water-level disruptions arise, the diversified geography and consistent class designs provide levers for itinerary pivots and fleet redeployment without diluting the onboard experience that Viking river ships are known for.
Final Thoughts
Travelers considering Europe's festive season or spring bloom will benefit from added dates on a familiar Longship, while Egypt-bound guests gain another modern option on the Nile. Advisors should watch Viking's delivery cadence as more river ships arrive through 2028, creating inventory for peak weeks and opening cabins closer to departure. With Honir and Thoth, Viking continues to scale with purpose, maintaining a consistent onboard product across regions that simplifies planning and sets expectations. For value-minded cultural travelers, this is a timely expansion of Viking river ships.