The call of the Nile: why the best way to explore Egypt right now is on this ship

About 300 ships offer Nile River cruises in Egypt, but Viking Amun stands out for two reasons. (A) In true Viking Cruises' style, it brings contemporary Scandi-inspired design to a part of the world best known for its long history, offering a beautiful juxtaposition of ancient grandeur and cutting-edge modernity. And (B) it's brand spanking new.

Viking operates eight ships on the Nile - seven are identical to Amun, which set sail for the first time on September 1. Six weeks later, I'm on board ... on a seven-night cruise, which kicks off in Luxor (one of the country's most historically rich cities), travels north to Qena in Upper Egypt, then heads to Aswan in southern Egypt, before returning to Luxor.

Mind-blowing scenery awaits at every turn - ancient temples glowing in the setting sun, solitary fishermen on small boats casting wide nets, listless camels grazing on lush banks. And Amun - with its enormous glass windows, a pared-back colour palette, soaring atrium and sprawling sundeck with 360-degree views - is an excellent vehicle to take it all in from.

It's 71 metres long with 41 cabins and capacity for 82 guests, but thanks to its light, bright and mostly open-plan design, it never feels crowded. I can always find peaceful corners without another soul in sight on this ship - from the bar on the pool deck to the small but gorgeously appointed library on the same level, where I grab a brand-new copy of Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile soon after boarding the ship. Eight days later, as I am about to disembark the vessel, I realise I haven't read a single page. Because there's just so much on offer on this ship and cruise.

There are 12 Standard Staterooms with windows, 21 Veranda Staterooms with private balconies, and eight suites with lavish bells and whistles, such as separate sitting rooms and bathtubs. I'm staying in Veranda Stateroom number 210. It's conveniently located right next to the ship's reception, which makes embarking and disembarking the vessel for daily excursions a breeze. The reception also has an all-day coffee and tea corner (with a rolling roster of freshly baked croissants and cookies), which means I don't have to go too far in my robe first thing in the morning for my caffeine kick.

Inside the 22-square-metre cabin, there's a queen-sized bed, a spacious desk and a state-of-the-art ensuite with heated floors. But perhaps the most impressive aspect of the room is the storage space. I have stayed in huge hotel rooms that don't offer enough storage space for even one traveller. My Viking Amun stateroom, on the other hand, has more drawers, shelves and closets than I can use - and that's saying something.

I have a small private balcony, too - a great spot from where to take sunrise pics without having to go too far from my bed.

My only gripe? There's an occasional noise in the room, which sounds like water being pumped through the ceiling. But it's a minor glitch and I eventually get used to it.

There are two eateries on the ship. The Restaurant is more on the formal side, with crisp linen tablecloths and floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Right above it is my favourite space, Aquavit Terrace, which serves pretty much the same food as the Restaurant, but in addition to floor-to-ceiling windows, it also has a glass roof, plus a small al fresco dining section, too.

The food menu has a Classics section with safe bets, such as nicoise salad, ribeye steak and roast chicken, which doesn't change from one day to another and is perfect for those with less adventurous palates. The Regional Specialities section, on the other hand, changes daily.

I really want to try the classics at some point in the cruise, but the local delicacies are so attractive-sounding and delicious that I never end up with a steak on my plate. How can I - after all - say no to an entree of crisp lentil croquettes, a main of chickpea tagine or a dessert of milk pudding laced with rose water? In fact, one day, a starter of labneh-stuffed fresh figs, with a drizzle of honey, is so impressive that I can't help but rave about it to restaurant manager Marlene, who asks me if I would like the recipe. Yes, please!

For a ship with just one big lounge, Amun punches above its weight when it comes to entertainment. Insightful lectures shine a light on different parts of Egypt (did you know Alexander the Great's winning spree began after his pilgrimage to a temple at Siwa Oasis in Egypt in 331 BCE?), while evenings are reserved for live performances, including an Egyptian twist on whirling dervishes, where the performer - instead of a spotless white robe - dons a colourful skirt and five tambourines, which he weaves into the dance as he twirls - for 20 minutes straight.

A daily schedule of activities - from tours of ancient temples and tombs to falafel-cooking classes in the lounge - will keep you busy. But try to steal some moments when you can to simply slow down and soak up the beauty of the Nile and the ship, even if that means missing an excursion or two. Amun is full of quiet corners where you can relax with a book or simply take in the scenery.

My favourite downtime spot is the rooftop pool at the stern of the vessel. It's very narrow and very shallow, but still a great place from where you can watch the world drift past, with your feet in the water and a glass of bubbles in your hand.

It's a standout right across the board - from our guide and Egyptologist, Laila Morad, who delivers highly insightful commentary at all our off-shore excursions, to our waiter, Redwan, who remembers my name and my Coke Zero preferences (no ice) after just one interaction for the rest of the seven-night cruise.

The writer was a guest of Viking Cruises