Viking Cruises: Naming Ceremony for Viking Aton
Architect and designer Richard Riveire is the godfather of the new Viking Aton, the twin of the Viking Osiris, dedicated to Nile River cruises.
The naming ceremony of Viking Cruises‘ new vessel took place in Aswan, Egypt, and is aimed at expanding the company’s availability of itineraries in the region. The godfather, Richard Riveire, who is the designer of Viking’s river, oceanic, and expedition ships, as well as the founding principal of the internationally renowned interior design firm Rottet Studio, invoked good luck and safe sailing for the new ship.
“Today, we are delighted to welcome the Viking Aton to our expanding fleet. Together with its sister ship, the Viking Osiris, they are the newest and most elegant units on the Nile,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises. “With a remarkably strong interest in Egypt among our guests, we are proud to bring another cutting-edge vessel to this region, and we are eager to introduce the country’s cultural riches to an even larger number of guests. I am also grateful to my friend Richard Riveire for his tremendous contribution to Viking, including the design of this new ship and our others.”
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The same architect went on to describe being “incredibly honored to be the godfather of the Viking Aton and celebrate the growth of Viking’s fleet. For over a decade, I have been proud to work alongside Tor, Karine, and the Viking team to contribute to the design of a brand like Viking. We share the belief that the design of each ship should enhance the destination, wherever it may be in the world.”
With a capacity for up to 82 guests in 41 cabins, the new Viking Aton draws inspiration from Viking’s award-winning river and oceanic vessels and their elegant Scandinavian design. The new unit, like its sister ship, features the unmistakable square bow and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace.
Viking Cruises‘ fleet dedicated to the Nile is further expanding. Following Viking Aton, two more units are scheduled for delivery in 2024 and 2025: Viking Hathor and Viking Sobek. Considering that Viking Ra and MS Antares are already in operation, by 2025 the Nile fleet will consist of six units.
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The new unit will commence operations with the renowned Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary: a 12-day journey that begins with a three-night stay at a first-class hotel in Cairo, allowing guests to visit iconic sites like the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Saqqara necropolis, and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Guests then fly to Luxor, where they explore the Temples of Luxor and Karnak before embarking on an eight-day Nile River cruise aboard a Viking river vessel. This cruise includes Privileged Access to the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens and the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings. Excursions to the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Dendera Temple complex in Qena, the temples at Abu Simbel, and the High Dam in Aswan are also part of the journey. Additionally, a visit to a picturesque Nubian village offers guests the chance to experience traditional activities. The journey concludes with a return flight to Cairo for a final night in the ancient city.
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For guests looking to extend their journey, Viking Cruises also offers pre and post-cruise extensions that provide privileged access to archives and exhibits. Guests opting for the five-day British Collections of Ancient Egypt extension will begin their journey in London, where they will meet their Viking Tour Director—an expert Egyptologist—and experience privileged access to two museums. This includes a private, early morning visit to the Egyptian Collection at the British Museum before it opens to the general public, as well as a visit to the home and personal museum of world-renowned architect Sir John Soane. The tour of Soane’s museum is illuminated by candlelight, recreating the way he entertained guests and showcased his exquisite collection of Egyptian antiquities, including a 3,000-year-old Egyptian sarcophagus.
Guests will also visit London’s Petrie Museum, which houses over 80,000 artifacts from ancient Egypt and Sudan. In Oxford, they’ll explore the Ashmolean Museum, one of the world’s oldest, housing a diverse collection of Egyptian mummies and art. They will also have privileged access to the archives of Howard Carter at Oxford University’s Griffith Institute. This behind-the-scenes visit provides insights into the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. Guests will also enjoy an exclusive visit to Highclere Castle, where they can view the Earl’s private collection of Egyptian artifacts, along with archives and exhibits not typically accessible to the public.
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Beyond providing a new vessel that represents the best of technology and design in river cruising, Viking Cruises offers a truly unique exploration philosophy within the captivating world of Egypt. The pre and post-cruise stays provide immersive cultural insights, preparing guests to experience unforgettable moments and witness timeless wonders firsthand. And as guests step aboard the fleet, renowned for its service, hospitality, and cuisine, they will continue to enjoy equally exciting moments.
Don’t miss further information, advice, and reviews about Viking Aton and Viking Cruises on Cruising Journal, with photos, videos, and special cruise offers.
