A large white and blue river cruise ship named The Oberoi Zahra sailing on a calm river with lush greenery and a desert hill in the background under a clear blue sky.

The Oberoi Zahra

Between Luxor and Aswan, where 5,000 years of Egyptian history unfold on the banks of the Nile, The Oberoi Zahra crosses as one of the most luxurious vessels on the river. With only 27 cabins and suites, it offers about half as many accommodations as comparably large Nile cruise ships – the gained space is used for a library, a cinema, a cigar lounge, a fitness area, and the only full-service spa on the Nile. At each docking point, Oberoi has private berths, so you never have to disembark over foreign ships, accompanied by a personal Egyptologist and driver for each travel group. The itinerary has been deliberately designed to visit the most important temples away from peak visiting times – while other ships have already moved on, the Zahra often remains on-site. On the sun deck, you will find the largest pool of all Nile cruise ships, heated and with a bar – a place to enjoy the passing river landscape in peace.

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Details

  • Country

    Egypt

  • Region

    Aswan - Luxor

  • Price

    from approximately €700 per night/person

  • Best travel time

    October - April

Cabins

The 25 Luxury Cabins and two Luxury Suites of the Oberoi Zahra feature wooden floors, natural fabrics, and spacious panoramic windows that continue into the bathrooms. At approximately 26 square meters, you can expect a king-size or twin bed, comfortable seating, and a marble and mosaic bathroom with a separate shower and steam cabin. The Luxury Suite additionally includes its own living and dining area as well as a private, heated whirlpool on the terrace, while the two-room suite is ideal for families or travel groups. Children under seven years old are not allowed on board for safety reasons.

Luxurious hotel room with a king-sized bed, desk, two armchairs, and a large window with a lake view.
A shower area with blue and white mosaic tiles featuring a large window that offers a view of a river and palm trees outside.
Modern living area with a grey sofa, armchair, white coffee table with books, framed paintings on the wall, and large slanted skylight windows in a luxury suite.
Modern luxury hotel cabin bedroom with a large bed, desk and chair, large window with a view of a river and green trees outside.

Culinary

In the main restaurant of the Oberoi Zahra, international cuisine is served in the form of a daily changing à la carte menu, surrounded by large windows with panoramic views of the Nile. Upon arrival in Aswan, you are often greeted with Nubian folklore entertainment, while in the evening the cigar lounge and library offer a relaxed conclusion. The cuisine emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients and personal service – making every meal a little culinary highlight of the journey.

Modern restaurant seating area with white tablecloths, leather chairs, and booths under yellow pendant lights during daytime.
A man and woman sitting and talking at a table in a modern hotel lounge with wicker chairs and warm lighting.
Elegant restaurant interior at The Oberoi Zahra in Egypt, featuring symmetrical seating with green cushioned booths, white tablecloths, and warm lighting fixtures.
A modern chess set with metallic pieces arranged on a wooden chessboard inside a lounge area, visible round window in the background showing a blurred outdoor view.

Onboard life & excursions

Onboard the Oberoi Zahra, a fitness center, a cinema, a library, a play area, and the only full-service spa on the Nile with four treatment rooms provide variety. The heated outdoor pool on the sun deck is the largest of its kind among all Nile cruise ships. Excursions to the temples of Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings are accompanied by experienced Egyptologists in small groups of a maximum of six guests, including a dedicated driver and a private docking point at every stop.

A pool area on a deck overlooking a river with a woman in a red swimsuit sitting at the pool edge and a person swimming in the pool under a clear blue sky.
Spa treatment room with two massage tables covered in floral-patterned sheets, overlooking a large water body and greenery through wide windows.
A woman in white workout attire exercises on a stationary bike inside a gym with large windows overlooking a river and green landscape.
Aerial view of the Oberoi Zahra ship's upper deck featuring a swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers with blue and white umbrellas on a dark water background.

Route

The Oberoi Zahra operates between Luxor and Aswan, stopping at the most significant excavation sites of Upper Egypt, including the Temple of Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Kom Ombo, the double temple of Edfu, and the Temple of Philae near Aswan. Depending on the chosen date, the journey lasts four, five, six, or eight days, with fixed departure days in Luxor and Aswan. Both starting points are accessible via the international airports in Luxor and Aswan, which are also served by short flights from Cairo. Private docking points at each stop ensure that you do not have to board over other ships and can plan your excursions independently of the large cruise groups.

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Contact person

A smiling man with short, light brown hair and a beard standing outdoors with a blurry desert background.
Philip Eichkorn

CEO / Managing Director

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