Luxury Cruises on the Nile River
- Nile cruises are most comfortable during the fall or spring, avoiding the sweltering Egyptian summer.Nile Sunset image by Bradhenge from Fotolia.com
The River Nile, one of the world's great waterways, has fascinated travelers for hundreds of years. There are few better ways to experience the river than on board a luxury Nile cruise. Cruises generally sail between Luxor and Aswan, stopping at points of historic interest or particular beauty along the way. If you're worried that traveling up the Nile sounds suspiciously like 'roughing it,' never fear. Egypt's luxury cruise lines are well equipped to offer a wide range of amenities and comforts. - Itineraries include a visit to Philae, an ancient temple complex associated with Isis.temple de philae image by Loic LUCIDE from Fotolia.com
Oberoi Hotels & Resorts operates three Egyptian cruise ships and the Zahra is their luxury Nile vessel. The Zahra sails seven day trips between Luxor to Aswan and has a complete spa on board. Other amenities include a swimming pool, gym, library, private docking areas and on-call medical services. English speaking Egyptologists accompany every sailing, but French, and German speaking Egyptologists can be organized with prior notice.
The Oberoi Zahra
C/o Mena House Oberoi
Pyramids Road, Giza
Cairo, 2556
Egypt
011-20-233-77-3222
oberoihotels.com - Sonesta cruises include a visit to Edfu, one of Egypt's best preserved temples.Edfu Temple Egypt image by TekinT from Fotolia.com
Sonesta operates five luxury ships along the Nile. Four Sonesta vessels are modern style, while the Sonesta Amirat is modeled after Egypt's early 20th century luxury dahabiya vessels. The ships travel between Luxor and Aswan with cruises ranging from three to seven days. Amenities vary by ship, but generally include a pool or Jacuzzi, spa services and a restaurant. Egyptologist guided tours are available daily. A list of the specific luxuries each ship offers is available on the Sonesta website.
Sonesta Cruise Collection - Nile River
3 El Tayaran Street
Nasr City
Egypt
011-617-421-5400
sonesta.com - A stop in Cairo includes a visit to the Valley of the Kings, burial place of Egyptian royalty.valley of king - egypt image by Mirek Hejnicki from Fotolia.com
Specialists in luxury travel, Abercrombie & Kent now host four cruises along the Nile. The Sun Boat III offers week long voyages, while the Sun Boat IV and Sanctuary MS Nile Adventurer take three- or four-day excursions. These ships travel between Luxor and Aswan and are designed to be smaller than usual to ensure more personalized service. Gourmet food, inclusive drink packages, exercise areas, full Internet service and on-site Egyptologists are available on all ships. Abercrombie & Kent's fifth ship, The Zein Nile Chateau, is a traditional dahabiya ideal for private, chartered voyages.
Abercrombie & Kent
St George's House, Ambrose Street
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
GL50 3LG
England
800-554-7016
abercrombiekent.com
The Oberoi Zahra
Sonesta Cruise Collection: Nile River
Abercrombie & Kent
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