River cruises are soaring in popularity. They are becoming a new luxury tipple for those looking for a more intimate cruising experience on a smaller vessel. UNIWORLD is one of the leading boutique river cruise companies specializing in all-inclusive vacations. From classic routes such as The Danube and The Rhine to jungle adventures on the Peruvian Amazon, the cruise line offers exciting itineraries across the globe, with new offerings added throughout the year. One of their most extravagant trips is the Death on the Nile (without the murder) Splendors of Egypt and the Nile Cruise.
Photo: UNIWORLD
Here's What It's Like Inside the Nile's Most Luxurious River Cruise
The 12-day journey is aboard one of UNIWORLD’s newest boats, The S.S. Sphinx. Accommodating up to 82 guests with a staff ratio of nearly one to one-and-a-half passengers, the S.S. Sphinx is a far cry from a mega cruise ship.
The route begins and ends in Cairo, exploring the most famous historical and archaeological sites along the way. The cruise includes eight excursions to all of the most famous sites in Egypt, including the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Karnak, and the Temple of Luxor, all accompanied by a small team of Egyptologists.
The cruise includes seven nights on board and four nights in Cairo at the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza or the Nile Ritz-Carlton.
Onboard the S.S. Sphinx, the generous-in-size staterooms feature French balcony windows, handcrafted Savoir beds, marble bathrooms with Asprey bath amenities, and lovely river views. The ship’s decor incorporates bespoke design elements crafted by local artisans. Expect fine Egyptian cotton, regionally sourced marble, and hand-carved blonde wood furniture. The top deck features a swimming pool, perfect for cooling off under the Egyptian sun. There’s also a massage room for pampering after a day exploring historical sites.
The S.S. Sphinx has two gourmet dining venues. The main restaurant serves signature dishes with local ingredients, complemented by paired wines and beers. There’s also a “Travelling Lite” menu for health-conscious options, and vegetarian and vegan choices can be prepared upon request.
Prices start at $6240 per person. This program is active, so a general level of everyday fitness is required. 