Sail in Style: Discover the Majesty of Egypt on a Luxury AmaWaterways Cruise

There are places in the world that whisper to the soul, their names alone conjuring images of myth, mystery, and monumental history. Egypt is chief among them. For millennia, the Nile River has been the lifeblood of this civilization, a ribbon of emerald green unfurling through a golden desert, bearing witness to the rise and fall of pharaohs, the construction of wonders, and the birth of legends. To see it is to feel the weight and wonder of 5,000 years of human history.

But how does one truly experience Egypt? How do you move beyond the crowded tourist trails and connect with the profound majesty of this ancient land? The answer, I have found after two decades of traversing the globe, is not from the back of a tour bus, but from the serene, sun-drenched deck of a luxury river vessel. Specifically, from an AmaWaterways cruise on the timeless Nile.

This is not merely a trip; it is an immersion. It is the fusion of five-star, boutique hotel elegance with an epic journey through antiquity. It is waking in a plush suite to the sight of date palms silhouetted against a rose-gold dawn, and ending your day with a gourmet meal, discussing the secrets of Tutankhamun's tomb with a world-class Egyptologist. This is Egypt, elevated.

Why AmaWaterways is the Definitive Choice for a Nile River Cruise

In the world of luxury river cruising, AmaWaterways has carved a reputation for impeccable service, culinary excellence, and thoughtfully curated itineraries. When they turned their expertise to the Nile, they didn't just enter the market; they redefined it. Here’s why discerning travelers choose AmaWaterways for their Egyptian odyssey:

• Unparalleled Expertise: Every AmaWaterways Egypt sailing is hosted by a professionally trained, English-speaking Egyptologist. These are not simply guides; they are passionate scholars who live and breathe ancient history. They accompany you throughout your entire journey, both on the ship and on shore, transforming every temple visit from a simple sightseeing stop into a captivating story.
• Intimate, Elegant Vessels: Forget the mega-ships. AmaWaterways’ custom-designed ships, the AmaDahlia and her sister ship the AmaLilia, are floating boutique hotels. With a limited number of guests, the experience is intimate and uncrowded, ensuring personalized attention and easy access to all amenities.
• All-Inclusive Luxury: Your journey is virtually seamless. Your cruise fare includes not just your stunning accommodations, but also all gourmet meals, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, a daily "Sip & Sail" cocktail hour, a full program of immersive small-group shore excursions, and onboard Wi-Fi. The peace of mind this provides is priceless.
• Seamless Land Program: The "Secrets of Egypt & the Nile" itinerary includes a comprehensive pre-cruise stay in Cairo, managed by AmaWaterways. This means you are looked after from the moment you land, with stays at legendary hotels, expert-led tours of the Pyramids and Egyptian Museum, and all transfers handled flawlessly.

You can explore available dates and pricing for this incredible journey right now. Simply use the intuitive Cruise Booking Toolbar at the top of this page to find the sailing that works for you.

Your Floating Sanctuary: Aboard the AmaDahlia & AmaLilia

Stepping aboard an AmaWaterways ship on the Nile is to enter a world of refined tranquility. The design is a masterful blend of Middle Eastern elegance and contemporary comfort. Polished wood, intricate patterns, and a color palette inspired by the desert landscape create an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and welcoming.

Staterooms and Suites: A Room with a Breathtaking View

Your private sanctuary is designed for ultimate relaxation. The majority of staterooms feature AmaWaterways’ signature twin-balcony design—a French balcony and a full outside balcony—so you never miss a moment of the ever-changing riverside scenery. Imagine sipping your morning coffee while watching local fishermen cast their nets from traditional feluccas, just as their ancestors did centuries ago.

• Standard Staterooms: Even the entry-level staterooms are spacious and beautifully appointed, with panoramic windows and luxurious amenities.
• Balcony Suites: Ranging from 370 to 430 sq. ft., these suites offer expansive living areas, larger bathrooms, and those coveted twin balconies for an immersive viewing experience.
• Grand Suites: For the ultimate indulgence, the Grand Suites are palatial, offering separate living and sleeping areas, an oversized bathroom, and prime locations on the ship.

Every stateroom, regardless of category, features plush bedding, a state-of-the-art entertainment system, marble bathrooms with multi-jet showers, and premium toiletries. It’s a haven you’ll look forward to returning to after a day of exploration.

Culinary Delights on the Nile

AmaWaterways is renowned for its cuisine, and their Egypt cruises are no exception. The culinary team crafts a menu that is a delectable fusion of Western favorites and authentic Middle Eastern specialties, all prepared with the freshest local ingredients.

• The Main Restaurant: Elegant yet relaxed, this is the heart of the ship's dining. Enjoy multi-course meals with panoramic views, complemented by free-flowing regional wines and beers.
• The Chef’s Table: An AmaWaterways signature, this intimate specialty restaurant offers a unique tasting menu in an exclusive setting. It’s a culinary highlight of the journey, and it’s included in your cruise fare. Reservations are essential!
• The Sun Deck: Enjoy a casual lunch or a refreshing cocktail al fresco by the pool, soaking in the Egyptian sun as the timeless landscapes of the Nile glide by.

The Itinerary: A Journey Through 5,000 Years of History

The 11-night "Secrets of Egypt & the Nile" itinerary is a masterfully paced journey that combines the vibrant energy of Cairo with the serene rhythm of the river. It is a narrative that unfolds day by day, revealing the wonders of ancient Egypt in chronological and geographical harmony.

Part 1: The Wonders of Cairo (3-Night Pre-Cruise Stay)

Your adventure begins in the sprawling, dynamic metropolis of Cairo. You'll be whisked away to a luxurious hotel, your base for exploring the icons of the ancient world.

• The Great Pyramids & Sphinx: Stand in the shadow of the last remaining wonder of the ancient world. You’ll have ample time to marvel at the Pyramids of Giza and come face-to-face with the enigmatic Sphinx, with your Egyptologist bringing their monumental stories to life.
• The Egyptian Museum: Prepare to be dazzled. You'll be guided through the world's most extensive collection of pharaonic antiquities, culminating in the spellbinding treasures of Tutankhamun, including his iconic solid gold death mask.
• Khan el-Khalili Bazaar: Immerse yourself in the sensory delights of Cairo's oldest and most famous bazaar. The scent of spices, the glint of lanterns, and the art of the bargain—it’s an unforgettable experience.

Part 2: The Nile River Cruise (7-Night Sailing from Luxor to Aswan)

After a short flight from Cairo to Luxor, you’ll board your beautiful AmaWaterways ship and begin the most magical part of your journey.

Luxor: The World's Greatest Open-Air Museum

Once the ancient city of Thebes, Luxor is home to a staggering concentration of temples and tombs.

• Temple of Karnak: Walk through the awe-inspiring Great Hypostyle Hall, a veritable forest of 134 colossal columns, each intricately carved with hieroglyphs. The scale is simply impossible to comprehend until you are there.
• Luxor Temple: Best visited at dusk, when the temple is dramatically illuminated, this complex is a stunning testament to generations of pharaohs, including Amenhotep III and Ramesses II.
• Valley of the Kings & Queens: Descend into the earth to explore the hidden, brilliantly decorated tombs of legendary rulers like Tutankhamun and Nefertari. Your Egyptologist will help you decipher the "books of the dead" painted on the walls.

The feeling of walking through these sacred spaces is profound. Are you ready to walk in the footsteps of pharaohs? Plan Your Egypt Adventure and let our experts craft the perfect itinerary for you.

Sailing Through Antiquity: Edfu & Kom Ombo

As the ship glides south, you’ll enjoy leisurely days on the river, punctuated by incredible temple visits.

• Temple of Horus at Edfu: One of the best-preserved temples in all of Egypt, this massive Ptolemaic structure is dedicated to the falcon-headed god, Horus.
• Temple of Kom Ombo: Uniquely dedicated to two gods—the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-headed Horus the Elder—this temple features fascinating medical carvings that are believed to be the world's first surgical instruments.

Aswan: The Jewel of the Nile

The pace slows in Aswan, a beautiful city where the desert meets the river in a stunning display of granite islands and turquoise water.

• Aswan High Dam: A modern marvel of engineering that forever changed Egypt and created the vast Lake Nasser.
• Philae Temple: Rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser and painstakingly reassembled on a new island, the Temple of Isis is a breathtakingly beautiful and romantic site.
• Nubian Village Visit: Take a motorboat to a local village, where you’ll be welcomed into a home for tea and learn about the vibrant culture and traditions of the Nubian people.
• Felucca Sailing: Experience the Nile as the ancients did, on a traditional wooden sailing vessel, tacking silently around Kitchener's Island at sunset.

For those with a deep passion for history, the optional excursion to Abu Simbel is an absolute must. The colossal rock-cut temples of Ramesses II are, in my opinion, second only to the pyramids in their sheer, jaw-dropping impact.

If you have specific questions about the itinerary or prefer a personal touch when planning, our Egypt cruise specialists are waiting for your call at 1 (888) 883‑0460. They can provide details that go beyond what you read here.

The Onboard Vibe: Relaxed Sophistication and Intellectual Discovery

The experience aboard an AmaWaterways Nile cruise is one of camaraderie and shared discovery. You are traveling with a small group of like-minded individuals who appreciate luxury, culture, and history. Evenings are spent not at formal galas, but in relaxed conversation over a delicious meal or a cocktail in the lounge, sharing the day's discoveries with new friends.

The crew offers service that is intuitive, warm, and unfailingly professional. They learn your name, your favorite drink, and anticipate your needs before you even realize them. This, combined with the constant presence of your brilliant Egyptologist, creates an environment that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply relaxing. It’s the perfect balance for a destination as rich and complex as Egypt.

Have a quick question about stateroom availability or the onboard dress code? Our team is standing by. Click the 'Chat with us' button in the lower-right corner for an instant response.

Your Unforgettable Egyptian Journey Awaits

An AmaWaterways cruise on the Nile is more than a vacation; it is a pilgrimage to the dawn of civilization, undertaken in unparalleled comfort and style. It is a journey that will leave you with more than just photographs—it will leave you with a profound sense of connection to a story that has been unfolding for 5,000 years.

The magic of the pharaohs, the serenity of the river, and the luxury of AmaWaterways combine to create the trip of a lifetime. The only thing missing from this picture is you.

The first step is the easiest. Let our team of luxury travel advisors handle every detail, from securing the best suite to arranging your flights and pre-cruise extensions. Fill out our simple, no-obligation form to Get a Custom Quote, and we will be in touch to begin planning your adventure.

Don't just dream of Egypt; experience it in a way that does justice to its grandeur. Inquire About This Sailing today and let the timeless Nile carry you on an unforgettable journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Egypt Cruise

What is included in the AmaWaterways Egypt cruise fare?

Your cruise fare is remarkably inclusive. It covers your 7-night cruise in a luxury stateroom, a 3-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Cairo (and a 1-night post-cruise stay on some itineraries), all intra-Egypt flights, all transfers, gourmet dining for every meal (including The Chef's Table specialty restaurant), wine and beer with lunch and dinner, a daily "Sip & Sail" cocktail hour, a full program of small-group guided shore excursions with an Egyptologist, and onboard Wi-Fi.

Is it safe to travel to Egypt?

Yes. Tourism is vital to Egypt's economy, and the Egyptian government and tourism providers like AmaWaterways take security very seriously. You will be in a curated "travel bubble" from the moment you arrive, with all transfers, tours, and cruise activities managed by AmaWaterways' trusted team. You will be accompanied by your expert Egyptologist and tour director throughout the journey, ensuring a safe and seamless experience.

What is the dress code onboard?

The dress code is "country club casual." During the day, comfortable, lightweight clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended for excursions. Onboard, the atmosphere is relaxed. For dinner, most guests opt for smart casual attire—slacks and a collared shirt for men, and a sundress, skirt, or nice slacks for women. There is typically one Captain's Dinner where guests may choose to dress up a bit more, but a jacket and tie are not required.

When is the best time of year to take a Nile cruise?

The most popular and pleasant time to cruise the Nile is from October to April. During these months, the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing, with warm, sunny days and cool evenings. The summer months (June to August) can be extremely hot, especially in southern Egypt (Luxor and Aswan).

Do I need a visa for Egypt?

Yes, most travelers, including those from the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, will need a visa to enter Egypt. This can often be obtained upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, or you can apply for an e-visa in advance. We recommend consulting with your travel advisor for the most up-to-date requirements based on your nationality.