AmaWaterways has confirmed its Egypt return for 2021, with a new 11-night river cruise and land program now accepting booking for departures from next September. The company’s Co-Founder and Executive Vice President Kristen Karst flagged AmaWaterways’ resumption of operation in Egypt in mid-2019 and more widely at the CLIA UK conference in November. The river cruise specialist last offered an Egypt program ahead of the Arab Spring in 2011.
Last weekend, AmaWaterways alerted its Facebook followers of its new program, dubbed ‘Secrets of Egypt and the Nile’: a 13-night Cairo round-trip itinerary that includes three nights in Cairo pre-cruise, a seven-night cruise that starts and finishes in Luxor, and a post-cruise night in the Egypt capital.
The Nile cruise component will be aboard the new-build 68-passenger AmaDahlia river cruise ship. The five-deck AmaDahlia will feature 10 Standard staterooms and 24 suites, the top of the line being the Lux Suite, positioned on the Lily Deck (middle deck), at the bow beneath the wheel house. Renderings of the ship suggest higher-class cabins and suites will offer French balconies.
Onboard guest amenities include the main lounge towards the front and an outdoor lounge at the stern, divided by The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant (starboard), and a fitness room, hair and nail salon/massage rooms (port) all on the Jasmine Deck. The main restaurant and lobby are located one level down (on Lily Deck), while the Sun Deck will be equipped with a pool and bar.
AmaWaterways says guests on the 72-metre ship will enjoy regionally inspired entertainment such as a belly dance show and a Galabeya party, and be treated to local flavours and Western cuisine in the restaurants.
Port calls on the cruise include Edfu and Aswan, with highlights including the Valley of the Kings and Queens, the Temple of Queen Nefertari, the Temple of Horus, Karnak Temple and more iconic Egyptian landmarks.
In Cairo, guests will visit the Egyptian Museum and the Mosque of Muhammad, as well as travelling to the ancient capital of Memphis and view the statue of Ramses II, the Great Sphinx of Giza and lunch at Mena House in the shadows of the Pyramids of Giza. On their return to Cairo post cruise, guests will experience a private tour of Abdeen Presidential Palace with lunch at the palace of Old Cairo, The Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue.
“We are excited to be coming back to the legendary Nile and introducing a new river cruise experience in Egypt,” said Rudi Schreiner, President and Co-Founder of AmaWaterways. “Everything about this new ship and curated itinerary reflects AmaWaterways’ focus on delivering luxurious accommodations, delectable cuisine and enriching experiences designed to engage with local communities and historic sites.”
AmaWaterways will offer its Egypt itinerary from September through May annually.
More details here.
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