Since Egypt's Prehistoric times the Nile River valley provided the only route from the Mediterranean world to interior Africa, with Nubia as the point of contact between the two, a highway for diverse cultures and political powers during thousands of years. However, it is recent history that provides two of the greatest feats known to man. One the building of the immense dam at Aswan and the other the engineering marvel of saving the various antiquity sites that lined the old river shores. The Egyptian dam took 30,000 men working around the clock for ten years to complete. The reservoir that was created now stretches some 300 miles from the dam all the way into the Sudan. Varying in widths it averages about 6 miles across. Dotted with hundreds of islands and abundant wildlife it features scenery combining natural beauty with incredible history. Cruising aboard luxurous ships, designed with a hint of history yet featuring the most modern conveniences. We have two Deluxe ships on the lake.
M/S Eugenie
M/S Kasr Ibrim
Itineraries may vary slightly from those shown due to lake conditions and other considerations (such as site closed by the Ministry of Antiquities for research or restoration). Final itinerary for the specific cruise selected will be available at time of reservation.
The Eugenie was proudly named to evoke an historic event in Egypt's recent past: the grand opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, attended by the crown heads of Europe including the Empress Eugenie of Austria. The completion of the Suez Canal marked Egypt's passage into modernity, and a new era of international trade and interaction.
Likewise the Eugenie, the first ship to sail Lake Nasser, launched a new era of tourism, offering travelers fresh vistas of Egypt's natural beauty and archeological treasures. Lake Nasser extended the boundaries of Egypt's touristic possibilities, while the Eugenie reminds us of this ancient country's endless capacity for renewal.
The M/S Eugenie was constructed in 1993 in the style of a turn-of-the-century Nile steamship. It is 74 meters long (242 feet), with just 52 cabins for maximum comfort, and two luxurious suites. Each cabin has an ensuite bathroom with shower, washbasin, w.c. and hairdryer. Cabins are approximately 21 square meters (or 228 square feet).
The M/S Kasr Ibrim was named after the ancient citadel on Lake Nasser, the only Nubian monument that still exists in its original location. The Kasr Ibrim citadel, standing on a high bluff overlooking the river valley, was adapted to suit the needs of its diverse occupants throughout the ages. Likewise, the M/S Kasr Ibrim provides an epic setting for international travelers, while commemorating the citadel as an enduring link with Egypt's distant past.
Relax in the ship's spacious lounge areas, its restaurant or bars. On deck you will find a shaded area, a mosaic-lined swimming pool and deckchairs to make the most of idle luxury. Kasr Ibrim's facilities also include a sauna, steam bath, exercise equipment, state-of-the-art water filtration systems, and is fully air-conditioned.
Service is thoughtful and friendly; the cuisine is superb. Each day we anchor beside one of Lake Nasser's historic sites, where a launch will take you ashore to explore.
The Kasr Ibrim's interiors blend whimsical art deco motifs with modern elegance and comfort. Relax in the ship's spacious and beautifully appointed lounge areas, its restaurant or bars. On deck you will find a shaded area, a mosaic-lined swimming pool and deckchairs to make the most of Lake Nasser's glorious scenery. Kasr Ibrim's facilities also include a sauna, a steam bath dressed in old marble, exercise equipment, and a state-of-the-art water filtration system. The ship is fully air-conditioned.
The M/S Kasr Ibrim was launched in September 1997. The ship is 256 feet long, with just 55 cabins for maximal comfort, and 10 luxurious suites. The interior decor reflects the Art Deco style of the 1920's.
The ship's fifty-five spacious cabins measure 245 square feet each with an ensuite bathroom (bath, shower, washbasin, w.c. and hairdryer). There are seven 312 square feet Junior suites; two 635 square feet Royal suites and one 1500 square feet Imperial suite (all ten suites have bathrooms with jacuzzi, shower, washbasin, w.c. and hairdryer).
The Executive Deck has 12 twin-bedded cabins, each with a private balcony. Executive Deck cabins are available at an additional surcharge per cabin and per night.
The Upper Deck has 18 twin-bedded cabins each with a private balcony. A guaranteed allocation to one of the Upper Deck cabins is available at an additional surcharge per cabin and per night.
The Main Deck has 18 twin-bedded cabins each with a private balcony.
The Lower Deck has 7 twin bedded cabins without balconies; these can also be used for triple occupancy.
Lake Nasser