On August 19th, Viking unveiled its latest river ship, Viking Aton, during a special event in Aswan, Egypt.
The ship's ceremonial godfather, Richard Riveire, a distinguished figure in the design world and a founding Principal of Rottet Studio, bestowed a traditional blessing for safe travels - a practice with ancient maritime roots.
The sisterships Viking Aton and Viking Osiris are purpose-built for Nile River voyages, operating Viking's popular Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.
Richard Riveire, an accomplished architect and designer with a history of remarkable interior projects, stands as one of the creators behind the renowned Rottet Studio. His influential work has garnered accolades from institutions like the American Institute of Architects, Interior Design Magazine, and the International Interior Design Association. Noteworthy projects include designs for establishments like The Beverly Hills Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel & Residences at LA Live.
Viking Aton accommodates 82 guests across 41 staterooms and is characterized by Viking's signature Scandinavian design, echoing the elegance seen in their celebrated river and ocean ships. An exact counterpart to Viking Osiris, which was christened in 2022, the Viking Aton encompasses familiar Viking features, such as the distinct square bow and the indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace. This vessel contributes to Viking's expanding Nile fleet, which includes sisterships Viking Hathor and Viking Sobek, slated for delivery in 2024 and 2025 respectively. Complementing these, the Egypt fleet currently comprises Viking Ra and MS Antares, culminating in six ships navigating the Nile River by 2025.
The 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary embarks with a three-night stay at a premier Cairo hotel, facilitating visits to iconic sites like the Great Pyramids of Giza, Saqqara, and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Subsequent exploration leads to Luxor, where the Temples of Luxor and Karnak await. Following this, guests board a Viking river ship for an eight-day roundtrip cruise along the Nile River. This voyage grants exclusive access to significant sites such as the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens and the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings. Additional highlights include excursions to the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Dendera Temple complex in Qena, the temples at Abu Simbel, the High Dam in Aswan, and a visit to a vibrant Nubian village, complete with a traditional elementary school. The journey concludes with a return flight to Cairo for a final night in this ancient city.