Cruise The Nile In Final Luxurious On The Oberoi Zahra

Egypt’s Nile River is populated with historical wonders and a bunch of cruise strains vying to 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 occasion 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 chic luxurious. They’re growing 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 your complete ship. It’s simple to be seduced by the boat’s grand marble foyer and huge staterooms with wood flooring, hardwood finishes, shiny tile bogs and panoramic window views. Accents equivalent to domestically sourced rugs showcase the artistry of Egyptian craftsmen and ornamental accents made out of indigenous supplies pay homage to Egypt’s wealthy heritage. The ambiance is distinctly refined and chic, with solely 27 luxurious staterooms and two suites. Onboard, it by no means feels crowded or busy, and there are at all times smiling useful Oberoi workers available to help with any request. However, luxurious is barely a part of the expertise; what really units Oberoi aside on the Nile is their dedication to each element—every occasion works with the identical information (Egyptologist) and driver all through the length of the cruise, boats are docked privately, and visits to historical websites are timed to keep away from the opposite cruise crowds.

When Oberoi first began cruising the Nile they met with prime native guides to find out the perfect timing for visiting websites with out crowds (which is usually a critical concern). 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 biggest pool on any Nile River cruise (and it’s delightfully heat), in addition to a full bar and loads of loungers.

The health club is massive sufficient for a number of individuals to work out—and the spa has the most effective 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 moderately provides a spread 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 provides loads of lounge house with even greater views—cocktails and Nile watching is a effective afternoon exercise.

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

Service from starting to finish is unfailingly well mannered and sort—and omnipresent. Pop your head into any house and somebody can 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 historical Egypt’s wonders is a monumental activity, in reality you’ll by no means see all of it, however the Oberoi group makes it as seamless and chic as doable.

Professional Tip

A phrase on wine and spirits. Greatest to buy these each upfront within the airport responsibility free if that is one thing you care about. Attributable to 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 if you need 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 Nineteen Twenties (two-masted sailboats that don’t use engine energy) the boats will provide a really intimate crusing expertise over six- or four-night itineraries between Luxor and Aswan. Vessel facilities embrace the signature Oberoi Spa with historical Egyptian-inspired remedies, a plunge pool, principal restaurant with regional and worldwide delicacies and the choice for historical cooking classes, and customized Oberoi butler service.