Nile Capacity Jumps as Viking Expands and Travelmarvel Returns
Egypt's tourism rebound is pulling river operators back to the Nile in force. The country logged roughly 19 million visitors in 2025, up about 21% year over year, and capacity is scrambling to keep pace. Viking is building toward a 12-ship Nile fleet by 2027, doubling down on a market it has treated as a growth priority. APT's value-tier brand Travelmarvel has re-entered the river after more than ten years away, relaunching with the fully rebuilt Travelmarvel Sirius — a 124-guest ship running Luxor-to-Aswan itineraries, with bookings already extending into 2028. For advisors, this is a two-track story: Viking's expansion adds premium/luxury inventory at scale, while Sirius opens a lower price point for clients who want the classic Nile route without the top-tier fare. Given the 2028 booking horizon already forming, clients weighing Egypt add-ons to a broader Mediterranean or Red Sea itinerary should be locked in early, before the best cabin categories and sailing dates close out.
- Egypt tourism: ~19 million visitors in 2025, +21% YoY
- Viking targeting 12 Nile vessels by 2027
- Travelmarvel Sirius: 124 guests, Luxor-Aswan, rebuilt after 10+ year Nile absence, bookings open into 2028