Murder mystery movie fans may leave a screening of director Kenneth Branagh’s new “Death on the Nile” wishing they too could step onboard the elegant Karnak riverboat featured in the film. Alas, the Agatha Christie creation is not an actual, functioning vessel. In fact, according to reports, the art deco-style ship was just an impressive full-scale set built in Surrey, England, that never actually touched water.
Even so, clients can re-enact a glamorous Egyptian river cruise of their own (murder mystery not included) on the storied Nile onboard several new ships sailing itineraries that explore the region’s captivating antiquity.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, for one, touts its new S.S. Sphinx as a contemporary equivalent to the Karnak, with regionally inspired decor including Egyptian cottons and hand-carved blonde woods. An intimate set of 42 private suites go along with a luxurious massage room, swimming pool and twin restaurants.
The Royal Suite on Uniworld’s S.S. Sphinx
Credit: 2022 Uniworld Boutique River CruisesThe line’s 12-day Splendors of Egypt & the Nile route — available in 2022 and 2023 — highlights none other than the Pyramids and Great Sphinx of Giza, the tomb of King Tutankhamun and the Egyptian Museum, roundtrip from Cairo.
Viking
For a more Scandinavian experience on the Nile, Viking just floated out its Viking Osiris, reminiscent of the brand’s European Longships but specifically configured for Egyptian sailing. Osiris will join the existing 2018-launched Viking Ra in August 2022 before its sister ship, Viking Aton, comes online in 2023. Sized for 82 guests in 41 staterooms, both Osiris and Aton will feature Viking’s staple indoor and outdoor Aquavit Terrace.
Viking Osiris will sail the river later this year.
Credit: 2022 VikingOsiris will journey on a 12-day Pharaohs and Pyramids itinerary this year, in time for the opening of the new Grand Egyptian Museum and 100th anniversary of the discovery of King Tut’s tomb by Howard Carter and his benefactor, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon.
According to Viking, the line’s long-standing relationship with the Carnarvon family will allow guests who sail onboard Viking Osiris to experience examples of the line’s Privileged Access moments. These special opportunities include first-hand insights into the events surrounding the discovery of King Tut’s tomb in 1922.
AmaWaterways
Meanwhile, AmaWaterways also has a new option on the Nile. The AmaDahlia, which launched in September 2021, is smaller — carrying only 72 passengers — but the riverboat’s 36 staterooms and suites range in size from 370 to 430 square feet. The ship features a sun deck with a swimming pool and bar, and fine dining at the main restaurant and at the chef’s alfresco restaurant.
AmaDahlia sails the 11-night Secrets of Egypt and The Nile circuit, operating every year seasonally from September through June roundtrip from Luxor. Besides the Sphinx and pyramids, the itinerary also visits the Temple of Luxor and Valley of Kings and Queens, all led by expert Egyptologists.
“I am absolutely delighted to have our wonderful new AmaDahlia sailing the Nile River,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways. “Egypt has a very special place in my heart, and I am so excited to have many more guests experience the beauty of AmaDahlia and the unparalleled experiences that this itinerary offers.”
Surely, Agatha Christie’s famed detective Hercule Poirot will suspect your clients of nothing more than having good taste in travel when they book one of these options on the Nile.
