The third in a series of six ships to be deployed by Viking on the Nile in Egypt has been floated out of a Cairo shipyard.
The 82-passenger Viking Aton is due to enter service on the river in August, joining Viking Osiris, which entered into service last year, and Viking Ra in 2018.
The company will have six ships sailing the Nile by 2025 with the addition sister ships, Viking Hathor and Viking Sobek, which are already under construction for delivery in 2024 and 2025.
Viking claimed very “strong demand” for Egypt, with the 2023 season now sold out together with many 2024 sailings.
The surge in demand has led the line to open 2025 sailing dates sooner than originally expected.
Viking Aton will run a 12-day ‘Pharaohs and Pyramids’ itinerary.
Viking chairman Torstein Hagen (pictured) said: “We are pleased with the continued strong interest for our Nile River voyages.
“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, and with the float out of the Viking Aton, we look forward to welcoming more guests to experience this fantastic region.”