Viking’s newest vessel for the Nile River, Viking Aton, has marked a major construction milestone with a ‘float out’ ceremony in Cairo ahead of her season debut in August 2023 and strong demand for Egypt cruises.
Originally scheduled to debut in September 2022, Viking Aton joins the company’s fleet of state-of-the-art ships purpose-built for the Nile River and will sail the 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.
The 82-passenger river ship offers 41 staterooms that will feature Viking’s signature elegant Scandinavian design.
An identical sister ship to the Viking Osiris, the Viking Aton has a distinctive square bow and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace, and will also join the Viking Ra, which launched in 2018.
Due to strong demand, Viking will have six ships on the Nile by 2025 with the addition of two new sister ships, the Viking Hathor and the Viking Sobek, already under construction for delivery in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen said: “We are pleased with the continued strong interest for our Nile River voyages.”
“Our guests are curious explorers, and Egypt remains 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.”
The traditional ceremony took place at Massara shipyard in Cairo on 4 April 2023 and signified the final stage of construction.
Viking Aton moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior fit-out.
To find out more, visit vikingcruises.com.au
