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AmaWaterways' AmaDahlia begins Nile cruises on schedule

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Nile views all around from AmaDahlia's Chef's Al Fresco Restaurant
AmaWaterways' newest vessel, AmaDahlia, began sailing on the Nile River this week, as scheduled.

During the inaugural festivities, AmaWaterways co-founders Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst surprised the first passengers by joining them for a cocktail hour at the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo At The First Residence, part of a pre-cruise land package.

Passengers then embarked in Luxor where they were greeted by local musicians and an Egyptian whirling dervish performance before starting their seven-night river cruise.

'It was truly such a joy to be with our guests as together we discovered the beautiful setting on board, reflecting the local culture and distinctive art of the region,' EVP Karst said. 'Egypt has a very special place in my heart, and I am so excited to have many more guests experience the beauty of AmaDahlia and the unparalleled experiences that this itinerary offers.'

Egyptian partner

Inaugural cruisers also interacted with AmaWaterways’ Egyptian partner, Ahmed Atef El Wassief, president of Wings for Tourism Investment, an integrated travel services company.

'We are so appreciative of our Egyptian partners, who helped us launch AmaDahlia on time to start her inaugural season as planned this September,' AmaWaterways President Schreiner said. 'Their local experience has been critical throughout all the design and construction period and we look forward to continuing to work together to share the iconic wonders of Egypt with our guests.'

Featuring 36 staterooms including 16 suites measuring 370 square feet to 430 square feet, the 72-passenger AmaDahlia offers an intimate atmosphere with an abundance of space for relaxation after a day of discovery.

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A standard Category CA/CB stateroom

The Egyptian-crewed vessel is characterized by vibrant colors and patterns, along with inviting public spaces to take in the Nile views. Facilities include a swimming pool and bar on the Sun Deck. Locally sourced cuisine is served at the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Al Fresco Restaurant.

11-night itinerary

AmaDahlia’s 11-night 'Secrets of Egypt & The Nile' itinerary entails small group, guided shore excursions led by Egyptologists. The program operates seasonally from September through June each year, sailing round-trip from Luxor to Aswan with intra-Egypt flights between Cairo and Luxor. Days are spent exploring landmarks like the Temple of Luxor and Valley of Kings and Queens, the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza. Back on board, travelers are treated to local entertainment and informative sessions led by Egyptologists.

Cairo stay before and after the cruise

The tour includes three nights in Cairo pre-cruise and one night in Cairo post-cruise, both at the Four Seasons Hotel, with an exclusive private tour and farewell lunch at the Abdeen Presidential Palace.

Optional extensions are three nights in Dubai or four nights in Jordan (Amman and Petra) pre-cruise and four nights in Israel (Jerusalem) post-cruise.

Currently, AmaWaterways has a COVID-19 vaccination requirement. For entry into Egypt, travelers must present a negative PCR test and an Egyptian Health Declaration Form.