AmaWaterways is expanding its presence in Egypt with the introduction of AmaNubia, a new luxury river ship scheduled to begin sailing the Nile in November 2026.
Carrying just 76 guests, AmaNubia will join AmaLilia and a reimagined AmaDahlia, which is scheduled to debut in September 2026. A fourth ship, AmaCleo, is expected to join the company’s Nile fleet in fall 2027.
The expansion reflects growing interest in Egypt as travelers look for immersive ways to explore the country’s archaeological treasures, ancient temples and riverside landscapes.
“Egypt is unlike anywhere else,” said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. “The Nile is one of the most beautiful rivers on earth, and sailing down it feels like traveling through time, with one iconic site after another bringing a history we’re all familiar with to life before our eyes.”
An Intimate New Ship Inspired by Egypt
AmaNubia will accommodate 76 guests across 38 staterooms, including 15 suites. The ship is a half-sister to AmaLilia, incorporating several of the same popular venues and amenities while introducing its own layout and design.
Its interiors take inspiration from the artistry, colors and textures of Egypt. Design influences include the carved stone of ancient temples, the movement of the Nile and the cultural heritage of Nubia. These regional references will be interpreted through contemporary spaces designed to create a comfortable and refined environment.
Onboard amenities will include a wellness area with spa services, a fitness center and a selection of indoor and outdoor public spaces where guests can relax between excursions.
Dining will place an emphasis on locally inspired dishes and Middle Eastern flavors, complementing the destinations visited during the journey.
Exploring Egypt with Expert Egyptologists
AmaNubia will sail AmaWaterways’ Secrets of Egypt & the Nile itinerary, combining a Nile River cruise with hotel stays and sightseeing in Cairo.
Dedicated Egyptologists accompany the sailings, providing lectures, historical context and guided exploration throughout the journey. Their expertise is intended to help travelers understand the temples, tombs and monuments they encounter rather than simply moving from one archaeological site to the next.
The itinerary includes many of Egypt’s best-known landmarks, beginning with the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. Guests will also visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt.
After traveling to Luxor, the journey continues through a landscape filled with archaeological sites. Planned experiences include Luxor Temple, the vast Karnak Temple complex and the Valley of the Kings, where numerous pharaohs and members of ancient Egyptian nobility were buried.
Additional stops include the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the unusual riverside temple at Kom Ombo and the southern Egyptian city of Aswan.
Readers considering a similar journey can learn more about the destinations and overall route in DRIFT Travel’s guide to AmaWaterways’ Secrets of Egypt & the Nile River Cruise.
Private Access to Abdeen Palace
One of the itinerary’s more distinctive experiences is a private visit to Abdeen Palace in Cairo.
Constructed during the 19th century, the palace became an important royal residence and later one of Egypt’s official presidential properties. Its architecture, ceremonial rooms and collections provide another perspective on Egyptian history, moving beyond the ancient world to explore the country’s royal and political heritage.
AmaWaterways positions the visit as an opportunity to experience one of Cairo’s significant landmarks in a more private setting.
Luxury Hotel Stays in Cairo
The Secrets of Egypt & the Nile itinerary extends beyond the ship through partnerships with several of Cairo’s leading luxury hotels.
Guests sailing on AmaNubia will stay at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence. AmaLilia passengers will stay at The St. Regis Cairo, while guests traveling aboard AmaDahlia will experience The Ritz-Carlton, Cairo.
These hotel stays allow travelers to explore Cairo before and after their Nile sailing while maintaining a consistent level of accommodations and service.
DRIFT Travel has also explored the brand’s expanding presence in the country in Four Seasons Expands in Egypt with Three New Luxury Hotels.
Optional Experiences and Extended Journeys
Travelers will be able to personalize the itinerary with additional experiences.
One option is an excursion to Abu Simbel, the monumental temple complex constructed during the reign of Ramses II. Located near Egypt’s southern border, the site is particularly notable for its colossal statues and for the UNESCO-led effort that relocated the temples to protect them from the rising waters created by the Aswan High Dam.
Another optional experience is afternoon tea at Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan. The historic hotel overlooks the Nile and has hosted royalty, political figures and celebrated writers during its long history.
Travelers who want to explore more of the region can add land extensions in Alexandria, Jordan or Dubai. These extensions create opportunities to combine the Nile with Alexandria’s Mediterranean heritage, the archaeological landscapes of Jordan or the modern architecture and cultural attractions of the United Arab Emirates.
AmaWaterways Expands Its Nile Fleet
AmaNubia’s arrival is part of a wider investment in luxury travel along the Nile.
AmaDahlia will return in a reimagined form in September 2026, joining AmaLilia for the start of the new season. AmaNubia is then scheduled to begin sailing in November. AmaCleo is expected to expand the fleet again in fall 2027.
Together, the ships will give AmaWaterways additional capacity while retaining the intimate scale that distinguishes river cruising from larger ocean voyages.
For travelers, the appeal of a Nile cruise lies in the way the river connects many of Egypt’s most important historic sites. Temples, tombs, agricultural communities and desert scenery unfold along the banks, allowing visitors to experience the country’s heritage as part of a continuous journey.
With AmaNubia, AmaWaterways is combining that timeless route with contemporary design, expert-led exploration and a small-ship setting.
