Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group (AKTG) has signed an agreement with Egyptian shipbuilder The Arab Contractors for construction of a second newbuild luxury riverboat to operate on the Nile. The vessel will be a sister ship to A&K Sanctuary's Nile Seray which is scheduled for delivery in late 2026. The second ship will debut in 2028, representing the largest expansion of A&K's Egyptian fleet in nearly five decades of operating on the Nile.
The new vessel, which has not yet been named, will feature 32 suites accommodating 64 guests. Each suite will offer a minimum of 355 square feet and floor-to-ceiling windows and Juliet balconies. Two suites will include full private balconies with outdoor whirlpools.
"This second vessel represents our absolute confidence in Egypt's enduring appeal and our commitment to setting new standards in Nile cruising," said Cristina Levis, CEO of AKTG. "Having two sister ships of this caliber allows us to offer even more travelers the exceptional experiences that have defined A&K's presence in Egypt since 1977."
The expansion will increase A&K's Egyptian fleet to six vessels, encompassing the Zein Nile Chateau dahabiya and the Sun Boat III and Sun Boat IV riverboats.
"Egypt is experiencing a remarkable renaissance in luxury tourism, and we're proud to be at the forefront of this transformation," said Amr Badr, senior vice president for Egypt and the Middle East at A&K. "These new vessels represent not just an expansion of our fleet, but a deepening of our commitment to Egypt and its people. Working with The Arab Contractors shipyard and in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism demonstrates our confidence in Egyptian craftsmanship and our dedication to supporting the local economy."
The vessel will feature two dining rooms, a spa with two treatment rooms, a gym and a top deck with canopied daybeds, a pool and an outdoor bar. Egyptologists will join excursions.
The announcement coincides with the recent opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which displays 100,000 artifacts including King Tutankhamun's complete treasure collection, shown together for the first time since their 1922 discovery. A&K reports year-on-year increases in Egypt bookings, particularly for its Tailormade trips and private experiences.
The expansion is part of AKTG's larger investment in its A&K Sanctuary portfolio, which marked its 25th anniversary in 2025. Recent additions include the Pure Amazon riverboat in Peru, Gorilla Forest Lodge in Uganda and Baines' Lodge in Botswana's Okavango Delta. Upcoming openings include Kitirua Plains Lodge in Kenya's Amboseli region in mid-2026 and a retreat in Moab, Utah.
"Egypt has always held a special place in A&K's story," Levis said. "These vessels embody our understanding that luxury today is defined not by excess, but by space, authenticity and the quality of experience. They reflect how we see travel: deeply personal, beautifully crafted and rooted in genuine connection to place."
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group. It was fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
