As the renowned brand introduces a fresh fleet of cutting-edge vessels in Egypt, delve into the experience of sailing aboard the Nile’s most contemporary ship to date.
In her 1878 travel narrative, “A Thousand Miles Up The Nile,” Amelia Edwards encapsulates the essence of Nile travel in a single line: “A donkey ride and a boating trip interspersed with ruins.” However, even in that era, the notion of luxury travel along the banks of the world’s longest and most legendary river was not a distant prospect. By the 1920s, double-masted dahabiyas and lavish Edwardian steamers had made their debut, marking the beginning of an era where travel conditions continued to elevate.
The most recent way to savor this journey in style is aboard Viking’s novel 82-passenger ship, the Viking Aton, christened after the Egyptian sun god.
“With an exceedingly keen interest in Egypt, we take pride in presenting our guests with another avant-garde vessel for this region. We eagerly anticipate introducing even more inquisitive travelers to the country’s culturally rich treasures,” expressed Viking chairman Torstein Hagen during a naming ceremony at the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel in the warm ambiance of Aswan, Egypt.
Hagen, noting that Viking initiated its ventures in Egypt shortly after the Arab Spring in 2011, currently oversees four ships. Launched in August to meet the growing interest in luxury Nile cruises, two more purpose-built vessels are on track for delivery by 2025, with hints of additional ships in the pipeline.
“Following our meetings here in 2011, we were granted the right to own and operate ships on the Nile,” Hagen stated. “I wouldn’t be surprised if there are a few more coming.”
Remaining true to Viking’s sleek and Scandi-style heritage, the gleaming new vessel boasts 41 residential-style staterooms, an open-air atrium, two contemporary restaurants, and an infinity-edge plunge pool adjacent to Aton’s distinctive Aquavit terrace. The ship’s brilliance shines through in thoughtful and understated design elements such as floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interiors with natural light, offering uninterrupted Nile views at every turn.
Positioning itself as “the thinking person’s cruise,” Viking’s Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary immerses travelers in a destination-centric experience. Commencing and concluding in Cairo, each voyage is accompanied by Viking’s resident Egyptologists, providing onboard lectures on ancient Egyptology and curated local tours and experiences. Guests enjoy privileged access to some of the country’s most extraordinary wonders, including King Tut’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings.
Sailings on the itinerary, which includes three nights in Cairo, commence at $7,799 per person for a Veranda Suite, based on double occupancy.
