More and more travelers are tuning in to the charms of river cruising through the hearts of some of the world’s most fabulous destinations. Two new ships have just debuted that will make exploring France’s fabled Rhone River and Egypt’s legendary Nile even more appealing. 

 

With the August, 2023 launch of the Viking Aton, the ocean, expedition and river cruise line now has 4 ships plying the historic waters of Egypt’s legendary Nile River. 

 

The new, 82-guest ship is identical to sister ship, Viking Osiris, both built specifically to navigate the Nile River, with a distinctive square bow and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace (pictured top and below.)

 

 

The Viking Aton joins the Osiris in taking guests to explore some of the most magnificent wonders of ancient and modern Egypt on Viking’s land/ cruise tour of the country.

 

Highlights include the Great Pyramids of Giza, the necropolis of Sakkara in Cairo, followed by a flight to Luxor, where guests visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak before boarding the Viking Aton for an eight-day roundtrip cruise on the Nile River, featuring VIP access to the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens and the tomb of Tutankhamun 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.

 

By 2025, Viking will have 6 ships sailing Egypt’s Nile River. Two more sister ships to Viking Aton and Viking Osiris are under construction.

 

New river cruise line Riverside Luxury Cruises has christened its latest ship. The Riverside Ravel was formerly the Crystal Ravel, and in August, 2023, in the medieval town of Viviers, on the fabled Rhone River in the South of France, it was renamed for its new life, and embarking for the first time on the Rhone.

 

 

This is the second ship to launch for Riverside Luxury Cruises, which purchased all of the Crystal river cruise ships, and will be re-christening and relaunching them one by one on some of the most popular rivers of Europe.

 

The Riverside Mozart debuted earlier this year and is sailing Danube itineraries. The newly-christened Riverside Ravel will navigate the Rhone River between Lyon and Arles, with luxury service matching the ship’s elegant design, offering all-suite accommodations all serviced by butlers. On board dining is tailored to the beloved cuisine of the region, and Riverside says its shore team has special shore experiences lined up for the first guests of this re-newed ship on the new cruise line.

 

 

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert