Viking Floats Out Third Egyptian Ship, Opens 2025 Bookings

Viking’s next new Nile River ship – the 82-guest Viking Aton – was floated out, marking a major construction milestone and denoting the ship moving into its final stage of construction. Set to debut in August 2023, Viking Aton will join the cruise line’s Nile River fleet and sail the bestselling 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.

The new ship is much needed. The 2023 Egypt season is completely sold out and many 2024 dates are also sold out. The surge in demand has led Viking to open 2025 sailing dates earlier than scheduled.

“We are pleased with the continued strong interest for our Nile River voyages,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking. “Our guests are curious explorers, and Egypt remains a destination of great interest for its many cultural treasures. We are proud to be the only western company to build, own and operate ships on the Nile.”

Viking Aton is an identical sister ship to Viking Osiris, which launched in 2022.