In Luxor, Egypt, Viking christened two new Nile cruise ships this week. The Viking Hathor and Viking Sobek were inaugurated in the presence of prominent sponsors: Edward Herbert, a descendant of the man who helped discover Tutankhamun's tomb, and Mohamed El Banna, founder of Cosmos Egypt and Egyptian senator. The christening ceremony was celebrated with an exclusive dinner in the Karnak Temple for guests from the travel industry and media. The cruise ships can accommodate 82 passengers each and are designed for comfortable Nile cruises.
In addition, American Cruise Lines (ACL) is continuing to expand its fleet in the USA and has signed contracts for four additional small ships with Chesapeake Shipbuilding. The first of these ships, the American Legend, will enter service at the end of November to primarily serve the American market.
In Europe, AmaWaterways also announced a new ship christening for the Douro River: AmaSintra will be christened in 2025, with Jenn Lee as godmother. Crystal Cruises also announced that it has ordered a third 690-passenger ship from Fincantieri, to be completed by 2032. This ship will feature private suites and verandas for single travelers and represents the line's latest move toward high-end, personalized travel options.