Cruise The Nile In 2022 On Viking’s New Addition to Egyptian River Fleet
Luxury cruise liner Viking Cruises announced that they are launching a stunning new River Ship so can cruise the Nile in complete luxury. While it doesn’t look like travelers will be doing a lot of cruising in 2021, Viking Cruises is preparing new itinerates for 2022. Built specifically to navigate the Nile River, the cruise company explained that Viking Aton is currently under construction and scheduled to debut in September 2022.
It’s without a doubt that this time last year no one would have figured that this current travel drought we are all experiencing has lasted this long. Because of the ongoing pandemic that has been Covid-19, it feels like planning our next getaway destination, sipping on cocktails at pre-boarding areas before flights, and highlighting our trips on our Instagram Stories all do feel like they happened a lifetime ago. And while there might be some of us who are still patiently counting down the days until we can freely travel again, Viking Cruises is giving us something to get excited about. Here’s what you need to know.
Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking, shared in a statement, “Egypt remains a top destination for many of our guests who are inspired to discover the rich history and beauty of the region. We will always maintain our commitment to creating meaningful experiences that are focused on the destination. The addition of Viking Aton is a reflection of our continued investment in Egypt; we look forward to introducing the country’s cultural treasures to even more Viking guests in the future.”
Viking Aton will be a state-of-the-art ship with the clean, elegant Scandinavian design for 82 guests in 41 staterooms. Anyone who is familiar with Viking cruise ships knows that the company is committed to making sure that you travel in nothing less but style and comfort. Viking Aton’s features include all outside staterooms with river views; spacious suites with two full-size rooms and verandas; a pool and sun deck with 360-degree views; Viking Lounge with floor-to-ceiling glass doors; and Viking’s revolutionary Aquavit Terrace ideal for al fresco dining and indoor/outdoor viewing along the Nile River. Viking Aton will join the company’s other ships on the Nile, Viking Osiris, which is set to launch in 2021, and Viking Ra, which launched in 2018. Viking is the first and only Western company to build, own and operate ships on the Nile.
If you’ve been dreaming of pharaohs and pyramids while in quarantine, we’ve got good news for you. During the 12-day, Pharaohs & Pyramids cruisetour itinerary, guests begin with a three-night stay at a first-class hotel in Cairo, where guests can visit iconic sites such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the necropolis of Sakkara and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali.
Guests then fly to Luxor, where they visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak before boarding a Viking river ship for an eight-day roundtrip cruise on the Nile River, featuring Privileged Access® to the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens and the tomb of Tutankhamen in the Valley of the Kings, and 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, and a visit to a colorful Nubian village, where guests can experience a traditional elementary school. Finally, the journey concludes with a flight back to Cairo for a final night in the ancient city.
As many cruise travelers and aficionados know, Viking Cruises has always been a head of its class for many different reasons. The service and comfort are key and just two of the reasons why so many guests come back for more Viking adventures year after year. Every cruise fare includes an outside stateroom, a complimentary shore excursion in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes.
Guests also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including: beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; alternative restaurant dining; free Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room service.
Also, don’t forget that from now through January 31, 2021, residents of the United States can take advantage of special savings on cruise fares and up to free international airfare on select 2021 – 2023 ocean and river itineraries.
For more information, check out Viking Cruise’s website at www.viking.com or call 1-855-338-4546.
Photos credit: Viking