In the words of Amelia Edwards from her 1878 book, A Thousand Miles Up the Nile, the quintessential experience of a Nile traveler was succinctly captured: "A donkey ride and a boating trip interspersed with ruins, does in fact, sum up in a single line the whole experience of the Nile traveler.” While the allure of the Nile's ancient wonders has endured, the means of exploration have evolved dramatically over the years.
From the opulent double-masted dahabiyas and Edwardian steamers of the 1920s to the present day, where luxury meets state-of-the-art technology, the journey along the world's longest and most mythologized river has seen a transformation. At the forefront of this evolution is the Viking Aton, the latest addition to Viking's fleet and the epitome of opulence on the Nile.
Named after the Egyptian sun deity, Viking Aton represents the pinnacle of luxury for those seeking an extraordinary exploration of Egypt. Viking chairman Torstein Hagen expressed the company's deep interest in Egypt, stating, “With an extraordinarily strong interest in Egypt, we are proud to bring our guests another state-of-the-art vessel to this region, and we look forward to introducing even more curious travelers to the country's rich cultural treasures.”
The Viking Aton is more than just a cruise ship; it's a floating haven of sophistication. Boasting 41 residential-style bedrooms, an open-air atrium, two modern restaurants, and an infinity-edge plunge pool on the Aton's Aquavit deck, the ship seamlessly blends Scandinavian design with modern amenities. The attention to detail is evident in the floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interiors with natural light, providing uninterrupted views of the Nile's enchanting landscapes.
Viking's commitment to providing an immersive and destination-focused experience is evident in its Pharaohs and Pyramids itinerary. This journey, often described as "the thinking person’s cruise," offers passengers lectures by resident Egyptologists, hyperlocal excursions, and exclusive access to some of Egypt's most iconic sites, including King Tut's tomb in the Valley of the Kings. The voyage begins and ends in Cairo, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of Egypt's cultural treasures.
Torstein Hagen reflected on Viking's investment in Egypt since the Arab Spring in 2011, noting the rise in luxury Nile cruises. He revealed that two more purpose-built ships would join the fleet by 2025, hinting at the possibility of further expansion.
Hagen emphasized Viking's commitment to excellence, stating, “When we do something at Viking, we like to think we are the best, and this ship is evidence of that. When we have a chance in a wonderful country like this to have first-class equipment, it has to be done right, and we are setting the standard by far.”
For those seeking the epitome of luxury and cultural exploration, a three-night sojourn in Cairo aboard the Viking Aton starts at $7,799 for a Veranda Suite per person, offering an unparalleled journey through the timeless wonders of the Nile.
