LOS ANGELES — Viking Cruises announced an expansion of its Egypt program for the 2020 season, including the launch of a new ship and two new Pre-Cruise extensions.

Viking Osiris, built specifically for the Nile River, is currently under construction and scheduled to debut in September 2020, doubling the company’s owned capacity in Egypt.

Hosting 82 guests in 41 staterooms, it will join the company’s other ship on the Nile, Viking Ra, which launched in 2018. Viking is the first and only Western company to build, own and operate ships located on the Nile River.

The two new Pre-Cruise Extensions by Viking include the five-day ‘British Collections of Ancient Egypt’, which gives travellers privileged access to two museums, a private early morning visit to the Egyptian Collection at the British Museum and a visit to the home and personal museum of world-renowned architect Sir John Soane. Guests can also go behind the scenes at Oxford University’s Griffith Institute, and opt for the new five-day ‘King Tut & the UK’s Egyptian Collections’ that includes a visit to a special exhibition at London’s Saatchi Gallery, presented by Viking.

The 12-day ‘Pharaohs & Pyramids’ cruisetour itinerary includes seven destinations and begins with a three-night stay at a first-class hotel in Cairo, followed by a flight where guests will board a Viking river ship for an eight-day cruise on the Nile River. This journey concludes with a flight back to Cairo for a final night in the ancient city.

Every cruise fare includes an outside stateroom, complimentary shore excursion in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Beer and wine with lunch and dinner service, Wi-Fi, and cultural performances are all complimentary amenities guests can enjoy onboard with Viking.

For more information go to vikingcruises.com.