Viking Ra
Intimate ship Bliss scored
There’s both serenity and adventure when cruising one of Africa’s storied waterways aboard Viking Ra. Sailing the Nile River in Egypt, Viking Ra can glide by 1,000-year-old temples, villages and stunning landscapes in the course of an afternoon.
- 52guests
- 2,000gross tons
- 2cruises now
- $7,499fares from
At a glance
Viking Ra is an intimate-size cruise ship operated by Viking River Cruises, in service since 2018. It carries 52 guests and 38 crew (1.4 guests per crew member) at 2,000 gross tons. It is the 73rd largest of 73 Viking River Cruises ships by guest capacity. On Cruiseable's Bliss scale it scores highest for cultural (10/10) and lowest for adventure & nature, entertainment, family friendly, party, spa & fitness and staterooms (5/10). It is rated 4 out of 5 by Cruiseable. It has 2 cruises on sale, with lead fares from $7,499. 2 of its upcoming sailings dropped in price since the previous weekly fare check.
Builder's plate
Specs
- Guests
- 52
- Crew
- 38
- Gross tons
- 2,000
- Decks
- 5
- Length
- 413 ft
- Beam
- 92 ft
- Maiden voyage
- 2018
- Space ratio
- 1.4
- Gross tons per guest
- Guests per crew
- 1.4
- Balcony staterooms
- 24
Bliss scores
What Viking Ra is best at
Ten dimensions scored by our editors on a 10-point scale. The Cruiseable app ranks every cruise against the mix you care about.
- Active 8.0
- Adventure and nature 5.0
- Cultural 10.0
- Dining 7.0
- Entertainment 5.0
- Family friendly 5.0
- Party 5.0
- Romantic 8.0
- Spa and fitness 5.0
- Staterooms 5.0
Our review
Viking Ra: Exploring the Nile & Luxor in comfort
Serenity and adventure combine in a cruise down the storied Nile River aboard Viking Ra, the river ship that debuted in 2018 from Viking River Cruises. Viking Ra (named after the ancient Egyptian Sun god Ra) can glide by thousand-year-old temples, villages and stunning landscapes in the course of an afternoon.
Whether your tastes favor exploring Egypt’s great pyramids, ancient temples and colorful bazaars, or indulging in the cuisine and nightlife of Cairo, Viking Ra offers even the most seasoned traveler new opportunity to discover (or rediscover) old and new Egypt.
This is a relatively large river ship that has gobs of space for the maximum 52 passengers on board, with roomy 290-square-foot cabins and large public spaces. Viking Ra is fitted with onboard amenities that promise sailing in comfort. Cruisers can soak in the rays in the ship’s swimming pool and whirlpool. Or wake each morning to the scenery passing by their suite’s windows.
Where Viking Ra sails
Viking Ra sails the Nile River with an itinerary called "Pharaohs and Pyramids." The 11-night trip starts with a three-night stay at a hotel in Cairo and tours of iconic sites including the new Grand Egyptian Museum, the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Travelers then fly to Luxor to visit Karnak and the Temples of Luxor before boarding Viking Ra for a seven-night cruise on the Nile to Aswan and back.
Read the full review
Ship highlights
The ship features just 24 suites, all boasting premium amenities and holding no more than 52 passengers. Public spaces include a stylish outdoor deck with an infinity pool, two whirlpools and a sanctuary from the sun provided by sail-like shades inspired by local dhow sailing vessels. The interior, with a decor designed by the company's Longships designers, offers a bar lounge, restaurant and spa.
Dining
Dining is part of the journey on Viking Ra. Whether you’re sitting for a buffet lunch or multi-course dining, you can choose between Eastern and Western cuisine. Meals are prepared by expert chefs with fresh, quality ingredients.
Features on this cruise
- All-suite state-of-the art ship for just 52 guests
- Sun Deck with 360-degree views and shaded sitting areas
- Pool and two whirlpools
- The Lounge and bar with floor-to-ceiling windows
- Restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views
- Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
- Laundry service
- No casino, of course
Staterooms
Ra has three types of suites, measuring 290 square feet each. The most common suite type (accounting for 20 of its 26 rooms) provides a full-size, step-out balcony (off the living room) plus a French balcony in the bedroom. All staterooms feature a large picture window and premium amenities including luxury linens, sofas, hotel-style beds, air conditioning, two flat-screen TVs (with satellite channels) and private bathrooms with showers.
Your take
How about you? Have you cruised on Viking Ra? What was it like? Tell us about your experience. We'd love to see your photos!
Interested in a cruise on this ship?
For pricing, itinerary information and to reserve your spot on Viking Ra, contact a Cruiseable travel consultant by email or call 1-877-322-3773.
On board highlights
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Sun deck
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History-filled destinations
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Great Pyramids
Photos
Inside and out
Destinations 3
Sound & Light Show at the famed Karnak Temple in Luxor, Egypt. 
The Court of Amenhotep III at Luxor Temple near Safaga, Egypt. 
Views along the River Nile.
On board 2
Take in the history of passing landscapes during your Nile River cruise on Viking Ra. 
A look at the sun deck on Viking Ra, the river ship that can glide by thousand-year-old temples, villages and stunning landscapes in the course of an afternoon.
More photos 1
Viking Ra during a stop at the ancient temples at Luxor along the Nile River.
Side by side
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