Built in
2019
Capacity
62
Staterooms
31
Crew
75
Crew to guests
1 : 0.8
Length
72 m
By
Viking River Cruises
Viking MS Antares offers an exceptional way to explore the timeless wonders of Egypt along the Nile River. Purpose-built for intimate cruising, this elegant ship accommodates just 62 guests, ensuring a personalized and uncrowded experience. Combining Scandinavian refinement with regional flair, MS Antares delivers a serene and sophisticated onboard environment designed to complement the grandeur of ancient Egyptian landmarks.
This ship stands apart through its meticulous attention to detail, showcasing a blend of modern comfort and regional inspiration. The interiors feature light-filled public areas, crisp design accents, and locally crafted artwork. Spacious staterooms offer river views, luxurious bedding, climate control, and well-appointed bathrooms. Select cabins include private verandas or French balconies, allowing guests to soak in the ever-changing landscape of the Nile from the comfort of their room.
Onboard, guests can enjoy an elegant main dining room offering a mix of international cuisine and locally inspired Egyptian dishes made from fresh, regional ingredients. Afternoon tea, curated cocktails, and nightly entertainment add to the refined yet relaxed atmosphere. The sun deck, complete with loungers and a shaded area, offers panoramic views of the Nile’s storied banks.
Cultural enrichment is woven into the voyage, with expert Egyptologists accompanying each journey. These specialists guide shore excursions to legendary sites like the temples of Luxor and Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, and the Aswan High Dam, providing invaluable context and insights into Egypt’s rich history. Onboard lectures and curated talks enhance the experience, helping guests delve deeper into the art, religion, and legacy of ancient Egypt.
Viking MS Antares also excels in personalized service, with a warm and attentive staff committed to guest comfort. The ship’s small size allows for seamless logistics at each port and fosters a sense of community among travelers. With thoughtful design, immersive programming, and a relaxed onboard vibe, MS Antares is perfectly suited for travelers seeking a culturally rich and luxurious Nile cruise.
Dining
The 62-guest Ms Antares keeps dining to a single space, the Restaurant, where open seating brings guests together for each meal. Menus lean on regional dishes tied to the ship's route, alongside familiar favorites that stay available throughout the sailing.
Sailings on this ship
We'll email you the current itineraries we sell on MS Antares, plus the reasons travelers book with Small Ship Travel. Reply anytime to ask about specific cabins, dates, or itineraries.
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On board
Good to know
Wi-Fi is free on Viking's river ships across Europe, Egypt, and the Mississippi, and shared computers are available on board. The connection runs over cellular or satellite, so expect speeds to dip in locks, valleys, and remote stretches of river.
Daytime dress is casual: shorts in warm weather, slacks or jeans, and comfortable walking shoes. Evenings are elegant casual, with no formal nights; a jacket and tie are optional. Pack modest attire for shore excursions that visit religious sites.
Gratuities are always at your discretion. Viking publishes a recommended rate per guest, per night, which can be prepaid before sailing or settled on your shipboard account. We go over the details with you when you book.
Vegetarian options appear at every meal, and the galley can prepare low-salt, diabetic, gluten-free, and low-cholesterol meals with advance notice. Tell us about dietary needs when you book, at least 90 days before departure, and remind the maitre d' once on board.
Guests who need mobility support travel with a companion who can assist, and wheelchairs must be no wider than 22 inches. Viking requires an accessibility form at least 30 days before departure; we take care of submitting it when you book with us.
The ships are nonsmoking throughout, including staterooms and verandas, with one designated outdoor smoking area. The policy covers e-cigarettes as well.
Laundry and pressing are complimentary in some stateroom categories and available for a modest fee in the rest, arranged through your stateroom steward. Dry cleaning is not offered on board. Ships on the Mississippi add free self-service launderettes.

Viking River Cruises is the largest river cruise line in the world, known for elegant ships, destination-led itineraries, and a strong cultural program. The voyages run along Europe's great rivers and reach the Nile, the Mekong, and the Mississippi, pairing comfort and enrichment with real time ashore. A modern fleet of purpose-built longships and a focus on thoughtful design set the tone for the whole experience.
Viking's river ships are built for comfort and discovery in equal measure, with a relaxed but refined feel on board. Each carries fewer than 200 guests, so the setting stays intimate, with generous public areas, all-outside staterooms, and attentive service from departure to return.
Built for discovery, Viking's river cruises ask you to slow down and read each region more closely than a packed land tour allows.
Whether you sail the heart of Europe or reach farther afield, Viking's itineraries balance the must-see landmarks with the smaller places that travelers tend to miss. Longer port time, well-built excursions, and curated cultural access run through every voyage.
Signature Voyages Include:
Every itinerary reflects Viking's interest in history, culture, and authenticity, giving guests an educational way to see the world.
We include Viking River Cruises in our collection for its consistent standards in design, service, and cultural engagement. Viking's commitment to immersive travel lines up with our own aim of building voyages that reward curiosity.
We work directly with Viking to help you choose the right itinerary, stateroom, and add-ons, so the trip fits your interests. Whether you are a first-time river cruiser or a returning guest after something new, we bring the insight and the follow-through to keep your voyage smooth.
Booking with Small Ship Travel gives you advisor-led planning, pre and post-cruise arrangements, and added value on your Viking river voyage. We handle the details from start to finish, so you can settle into the discovery, comfort, and cultural richness Viking is known for.
consultation
Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.