Cruise The Nile In Final Luxurious On The Oberoi Zahra

Egypt’s Nile River is populated with historic wonders and a number of cruise strains vying in your tourism {dollars}, however Oberoi is likely one of the solely operators that secures personal docking privileges in each port in addition to a devoted personal information and driver for every social gathering all through the journey.

The Oberoi model, which relies in India, is famend for superior service (the corporate additionally runs a extremely regarded hospitality and administration college) and stylish luxurious. They’re rising their Nile presence this 12 months with debut of two new ships this autumn—the Melouk and Malekat, luxurious Dahabeyas (motorless crusing ships) that accommodate simply seven passengers every.

At present, Oberoi operates two Nile ships: The Philae and The Zahra. The Zahra is the most recent of the 2, having simply accomplished a swanky renovation of all the ship. It’s straightforward to be seduced by the boat’s grand marble foyer and huge staterooms with wooden floors, hardwood finishes, shiny tile bogs and panoramic window views. Accents resembling regionally sourced rugs showcase the artistry of Egyptian craftsmen and ornamental accents created from indigenous supplies pay homage to Egypt’s wealthy heritage. The ambiance is distinctly refined and stylish, with solely 27 luxurious staterooms and two suites. Onboard, it by no means feels crowded or busy, and there are all the time smiling useful Oberoi workers available to help with any request. However, luxurious is just a part of the expertise; what actually units Oberoi aside on the Nile is their dedication to each element—every social gathering works with the identical information (Egyptologist) and driver all through the length of the cruise, boats are docked privately, and visits to historic websites are timed to keep away from the opposite cruise crowds.

When Oberoi first began cruising the Nile they met with high native guides to find out the best timing for visiting websites with out crowds (which generally is a critical problem). Utilizing that intel, they designed intuitive cruise itineraries that keep away from the height occasions at websites. Anticipate to see each different cruise line leaving port whereas Oberoi stays put—an intentional transfer to make sure company go to the websites throughout off-peak hours.

Onboard

Downtime on the Zahra can take the type of a number of actions. For such an intimate ship, the choices are spectacular. The rooftop options the most important pool on any Nile River cruise (and it’s delightfully heat), in addition to a full bar and loads of loungers.

The gymnasium is massive sufficient for a number of individuals to work out—and the spa has among the finest views on the boat—a pair’s room with panoramic home windows overlooking the Nile. This isn’t a cruise with day by day scheduled leisure however fairly presents a variety of amusement to be loved at one’s personal discretion. The panoramic home windows in staterooms make a convincing argument for staying put and watching the Nile roll by, however the ship presents loads of lounge area with even larger views—cocktails and Nile watching is a wonderful afternoon exercise.

Then we’ve the eating, which is elegant, multi-course and individualized to your style. There isn’t any group seating, however fairly, company are given their very own tables (which have ample area between them) and the eating room is massive sufficient to accommodate all the boat ought to everybody choose to eat on the identical time. Menus are a pleasant mixture of worldwide choices (burgers, pasta) together with Indian and Egyptian alternatives—as Oberoi relies in India, the curries are all the time going to be a specialty.

Service from starting to finish is unfailingly well mannered and sort—and omnipresent. Pop your head into any area and somebody might be standing by, smiling, prepared to help. You received’t have an assigned butler however irrespective of, it’s a a ship of butlers. Discovering all of historic Egypt’s wonders is a monumental job, in fact you’ll by no means see all of it, however the Oberoi crew makes it as seamless and stylish as potential.

Professional Tip

A phrase on wine and spirits. Finest to buy these each upfront within the airport obligation free if that is one thing you care about. As a consequence of excessive import taxes (400%) on imported wines and spirits the costs in Egypt are astronomical. You’ll have your decide of Egyptian wines, that are modestly good, however in order for you worldwide choices, come ready. Snug sneakers, hat and solar apparel are important, as tombs and temples require a considerable amount of strolling.

Coming this fall the Oberoi Melouk and Malekat: Impressed by the regal Dahabeyas of the Twenties (two-masted sailboats that don’t use engine energy) the boats will supply a very intimate crusing expertise over six- or four-night itineraries between Luxor and Aswan. Vessel facilities embody the signature Oberoi Spa with historic Egyptian-inspired therapies, a plunge pool, fundamental restaurant with regional and worldwide delicacies and the choice for historic cooking classes, and customized Oberoi butler service.