Viking Cruises revealed that its latest vessel for Nile River cruises, named Viking Aton, was floated out on April 4th, 2023, at the Massara shipyard in Cairo (Egypt).
Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen and Sayed Farouk, Chairman of The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.), graced the ceremony and activated the ship-lift lowering mechanism. This event marks the first time the 82-guest ship has touched the water.
Set to make her debut in August 2023, Viking Aton will be added to Viking's existing fleet of Nile River ships - Viking Ra (2018-built) and Viking Osiris (2022/sistership). Like the Egyptian fleetmates, Viking Aton will operate the 12-day "Pharaohs & Pyramids" itinerary leaving roundtrip from Luxor. The cruisetour is operated with fly-cruise packages inclusive of two domestic flights (Cairo-Luxor-Cairo).
Due to high demand, Viking has already opened up 2025 sailing dates earlier than anticipated, as all 2023 sailings are sold out and many 2024 sailings are also fully booked.
Hagen said their guests were curious explorers, and Egypt remained a destination of great interest for its many cultural treasures.
“We are proud to be the only western company to build, own and operate ships on the Nile, and with the float out of the Viking Aton, we look forward to welcoming more guests to experience this fantastic region.”
Viking Aton has 41 staterooms all of which are Scandinavian-designed.
The 5-deck Aton is an identical sistership to Viking Osiris. The design has similarities to other Viking boats, such as an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace and a square bow.
The Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary is a 12-day expedition that commences with a 3-night hotel in Cairo, allowing guests to visit renowned attractions such as Giza's Pyramids, Sakkara's Necropolis, Muhammad Ali's Mosque, the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Upon flying to Luxor, guests will have the opportunity to explore the Temples of Luxor and Karnak. Subsequently, travelers will embark on an eight-day round trip voyage on the Nile, which includes captivating historical visits to the tombs of Nefertari and Tutankhamen, the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Dendera Temple complex in Qena, the temples at Abu Simbel, and the High Dam in Aswan. Guests will also be able to immerse themselves in the culture of a traditional Nubian village. Following a flight back to Cairo, the trip will conclude with a final night spent in the city.
In addition, Viking offers Pre and Post Extensions, which grant guests privileged access to archives and exhibits, allowing them to further explore their destinations and extend their journey.