The New Viking Aton Cruise Ship Introduces Elegant Scandinavian Aesthetics to Egypt’s Nile River

After some reflection, I realized that paying $20 was quite a steal. My attempts to find the perfect tablecloth/rug/tapestry back home in New York had been unsuccessful, and I had resigned myself to the notion that success in this quest was just not meant to be.

However, I discovered exactly what I needed on Egypt’s Nile River. Leaning over the railing of the sun deck on the brand new river cruise ship, the Viking Aton, I bargained with a persistent yet charming Egyptian vendor, who was selling his goods from a rowboat that rocked below five decks as we navigated through the lock.

We agreed on $20 for the black patterned cloth. With impressive accuracy, he tossed it up to me, packaged in plastic, soaring across all five decks and right into my hands just before sending another package my way, which I used to place the cash and sent back down to him. The money barely left my hands before he quickly presented another tablecloth, this time with a significantly higher price.

“$50?! You just received $20 from me,” I exclaimed incredulously as he casually attempted to upsell me, as if I were an American tourist completely unfamiliar with Egypt (which, indeed, I was).

Whether I was irritated or impressed by his exceptional sales skills in the sweltering 100-degree heat was irrelevant; he successfully made his sale, and I walked away with my cloth for purposes still to be determined. Contract fulfilled.

With no luck convincing me to spend more, the vendor shifted his focus to other spectators on the sun deck and the lower-level balconies who had noticed the spectacle unfolding between us and were now eager for their own souvenirs.

Shopping is a familiar part of river cruising; many ships feature onboard souvenir shops stocked with jewelry, Christmas ornaments, T-shirts, silk scarves, and more.

However, this was undoubtedly a completely different shopping experience. I could hardly assign a value to such a uniquely bizarre encounter. Truly a good deal, indeed.

Exploring the brand new Viking Aton

My visit to Egypt last August was brief but unforgettable. I traveled with Viking and a small group of journalists on a condensed version of the line’s exclusive Egyptian itinerary, the 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids adventure, which begins and concludes in Cairo, navigating the Nile River from Luxor to Aswan.

Currently, the company operates four vessels on the Nile River: a charter ship, the MS Antares, along with three of its own vessels, the Viking Ra, Viking Osiris, and now, the Viking Aton, the latest ship that our group was there to witness being launched.

Similar to its sister ship, the Viking Aton accommodates 82 passengers across its 41 staterooms. Onboard, guests can enjoy the line’s signature Aquavit Terrace, a dining and lounge area that feels bright and airy at all hours, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling glass walls that separate the indoor seating from the patio.

The Aquavit Terrace quickly became my favorite spot on the Viking Aton. Not only were the fresh menu selections delightful—I still reminisce about the chicken, quinoa, and avocado bowl I had—but the outdoor space also features the ship’s sleek, modern pool.

The pool’s design was so alluring that it could have easily tempted me to lounge on the terrace all day beneath the scorching Egyptian sun. With its minimalist and elongated shape, the pool became an enjoyable gathering spot; its built-in bench allowed many guests to sit side by side, making it ideal for socializing. Additionally, the glass wall created an infinity edge, adding a touch of upscale modernity.

The sundeck lounge was another noteworthy area. While the air-conditioned interiors of the ship were refreshing, the temptation to head topside was hard to resist. True, it was undeniably hot outside, particularly in August, but much of the sundeck was shaded by awnings. The pastel-hued furniture, with its light linen upholstery, combined with the gentle breeze from sailing along the river, helped to alleviate some of the late summer heat.

If you’ve yet to experience a Viking ship, it’s worth noting that the company stays true to its Scandinavian heritage across its entire fleet, whether navigating rivers or oceans—and the Viking Aton is no exception. This means a focus on light, modern, minimalist design, along with meticulous attention to detail, from the selection of books in the communal and stateroom libraries to the warm, earthy color palette that permeates the ship.

Richard Riviere, the architect responsible for the design of most of Viking’s ocean, expedition, and river cruise ships, as well as the visionary behind the Aton, was present during the inaugural voyage and shared insights about the five foundational principles of Viking’s ship design.

"We adhere to five key concepts for all Viking ships: residential modernism, Scandinavian heritage, craftsmanship, nature, and exploration," Riviere stated, noting that this framework helps guide the company and its design team.

I was particularly impressed by the residential modernism element, which is prominently featured in the Aton’s staterooms. My accommodation, a Veranda Suite on Deck 3, was exceptionally spacious—truly, it felt like it could serve as a one-bedroom apartment.

The suite featured a spacious walk-in closet, a vanity area with a bench, a separate living room perfect for entertaining friends before heading to the lounge for evening cocktails, and a balcony where two could relax and enjoy the warm breezes of the Nile.

The communal areas were just as inviting as the staterooms. There was a blend of open lounging spaces and quieter retreats, such as a shaded spot on the sundeck, a cozy nook in the Aquavit Terrace, or a plush window seat at the back of the lounge.

Regardless of where I spent my time, the attentive staff of the Viking Aton consistently took excellent care of me, offering refreshing hibiscus drinks in the afternoons or something stronger—like a glass of chardonnay or a light Egyptian beer in the evenings.

Dining on board was relaxed, featuring classic dishes like Caesar salad, steaks, hamburgers, and fries. However, what truly caught my attention were the fresher selections, including a delightful quinoa avocado bowl. I also relished a themed dinner that showcased Egyptian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisine, with highlights such as baba ghanoush, lamb served with chimichurri or mint jelly, and exquisite baklava.

Exploring the Nile River with Viking

Our Nile River cruise was a direct journey due to our condensed five-day itinerary; we sailed non-stop from Aswan to Luxor in a single day, bypassing typical excursions to ancient landmarks like Esna, one of the final Egyptian temples adorned with hieroglyphics, and Edfu, home to the remarkably preserved Temple of Horus.

As we traveled, we floated past towns painted in desert hues of taupe and beige, accented by vibrant doors and walls. We witnessed children splashing in the water and fishermen gently rocking in their boats. There were also stretches of the Nile that seemed completely desolate, devoid of life.

Scattered along these barren expanses were lesser-known temple ruins, a sight I didn’t anticipate encountering.

Tarek Fawzy, one of the Egyptologists on board, assured me that I hadn’t imagined things, noting that despite the many tombs, temples, and ancient sites already studied by experts like him, much of Egypt remains unexplored.

“They’re still excavating, searching for more,” Fawzy explained, mentioning that such sites are distributed throughout Egypt, from Alexandria to Aswan and into the western desert. “We estimate that what has been discovered represents less than 40 percent of what exists. Just a few years ago, we uncovered a couple of obelisks at the river's bottom.”

However, my initial misconceptions led me to a universal truth: you can’t truly know what to expect from Egypt until you experience it firsthand. Perhaps this uncertainty is why the allure of Egypt—known as Egyptomania—has persisted, from Napoleon’s conquests to the myriad films, fashions, and designs that continue to captivate and shape influences beyond this arid landscape.

During our daily adventures, I could sense the same fascination echoing between myself and the ancient walls of Karnak, Luxor, and Philae, where intricate hieroglyphics etched into the limestone narrated tales of kings, queens, and even tragic figures. At the Valley of the Kings, the royal necropolis of Egypt’s pharaohs and one of the globe's most renowned archaeological sites, I grasped the wonder that must have overwhelmed the archaeologists who unearthed the tombs of Ramses II and Tutankhamun in the 19th and 20th centuries.

My sense of wonder deepened as our group ascended over the Valley of the Kings one morning at sunrise in a hot air balloon, gazing out at the Nile River Valley, where lush vegetation bordered the river and the surrounding desert stretched endlessly into the horizon.

There’s truly nothing like this sensation—caught in a liminal space between reality and fantasy when witnessing a place you’ve only known through stories, films, or textbooks.

Key Information

Most land tour operators provide a river cruise experience along the Nile River, ranging from three to seven nights, with hotel accommodations in Cairo framing the trip. Generally, river cruise lines that offer Nile excursions begin their itineraries with a three-night stay in Cairo and feature extensive land excursions to explore landmarks in Luxor, Edfu, Esna, Aswan, and even Abu Simbel, which is usually accessible via a short flight.

For those looking to experience Egypt through a lens of history and education—one that fosters a sense of adventure while celebrating the stunning contrasts of this desert landscape—Viking could be the ideal choice.

A wide array of historical texts and novels set in Egypt, including Agatha Christie’s renowned Death on the Nile, memoirs by distinguished archaeologists, and stunning wildlife photography books, can be found in the private libraries of guests' staterooms and the communal libraries aboard the ship. Additionally, onboard guest lecturers and resident Egyptologists are available to promptly answer any questions about Ramses II or Queen Hatshepsut.

Viking is particularly suited for travelers planning multiple visits to Egypt, ensuring a smooth sailing experience across all its vessels. With most of the company's ships featuring identical designs, guests can easily adapt to their surroundings and dive fully into the local culture.

Viking is quickly expanding its fleet on the Nile, with plans to introduce two new ships, Viking Hathor and Viking Sobek, in 2024 and 2025, respectively. The company has already made bookings available for the 2026 season aboard Viking Hathor, allowing those interested to secure their fares early as availability for the 2024 and 2025 seasons becomes limited.

Viking’s 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary starts at $5,999 per person, which includes 11 guided tours. Additional pre- and post-cruise excursions in Istanbul begin at $1,399 for three nights, while options in London start at $3,699 for four nights. These London excursions offer exclusive access to the archives and exhibits associated with the world-renowned archaeologist Howard Carter and his patron, the fifth Earl of Carnarvon, who famously discovered the tomb of King Tutankhamun.