Viking Cruises unveils brand new ‘state-of-the-art’ cruise ship for 2022 cruise holidays
This Morning: Jane McDonald says cruise industry ‘halted’
Cruise holidays have been well and truly scuppered by the covid pandemic over the past year and it’s still not clear when cruising will make a return. Cruise lines are therefore looking much further ahead to 2022 when, it is hoped, coronavirus will be behind us. Viking Cruises is one such company, yesterday revealing a new ship it will be launching next year. in the latest cruise news.
The Viking Aton will be a new state-of-the-art river vessel as the cruise line expands its Egypt fleet.
The ship is inspired by the design of the award-winning Viking Longships and built specifically to navigate the Nile River.
It is currently under construction and is scheduled to debut in September 2022.
So what can cruisers expect from the new ship due to sail on Viking’s popular Pharaohs and Pyramids itinerary?
We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.
Hosting 82 guests in 41 staterooms, Viking Aton will boast a clean, elegant Scandinavian design.
Viking Aton features include all-outside staterooms with river views and spacious suites with two full-size rooms and verandas.
There is also a pool and sun deck with 360-degree views and Viking Lounge with floor-to-ceiling glass doors.
Guess will also be able to enjoy 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, according to the company.
“Egypt remains a top destination for many of our guests who are inspired to discover the rich history and beauty of the region,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking.
“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.”
As for the holiday itself, the 12-day, Pharaohs and Pyramids cruise tour itinerary sees 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.
There are also 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 colourful 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.
For guests looking to extend their journey, Viking also offers Pre and Post-Cruise Extensions that provide Privileged Access to archives and exhibits in London, Israel and Jordan.
For those who are tempted by the new ship and itinerary, holidaymakers can book now through January 31, 2021.
Source: Read Full Article
