Luxury travel advisors Robyn and Murray Sinfield were recently on board AmaDahlia for their third trip to Egypt. Read their impressions in this exclusive review for Karryon Luxury.
Arrival in Egypt
We chose AmaWaterways for a third trip to Egypt (excluding a Suez Canal transit).
We were welcomed at Cairo airport by a cruise representative, who facilitated visa arrangements, easing the arrival process and transported to The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo, where each guest was provided with rooms with river views.
The hotel, formerly a Hilton, is adjacent to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza. Security was very visible and effective throughout the stay, creating a safe environment.
The hotel offered a large breakfast buffet with safe food practices, multiple dining options including Italian and Middle Eastern cuisines, and was attentive to dietary restrictions such as gluten intolerance and allergies.
Getting on board
The cruise included early starts and long days, which were manageable during the cooler November temperatures (17-30°C).
The cruise director, Mohamed Hameed, a Nubian-born, multilingual expert, provided clear guidance and cultural insights to a diverse group of 55 guests from several countries. The group was divided into small groups, each led by one of three Egyptologists for personalised touring.
Logistics were precise, allowing guests to visit popular sites ahead of crowds. AmaWaterways local partner Wings managed most activities and transport, with clean coaches and professional drivers. We would not recommend this cruise for those with mobility issues due to steps and boarding challenges (e.g. walking planks to embark local vessels on the Nile).
Cabin and ship amenities
Our deck four cabin (408) was spacious with a French balcony, self-controlled air conditioning, and Egyptian linen. However, it was located aft near the engine, causing vibration and noise, and adjacent to the Chef’s Table door. Cabins on decks two or three are preferable for quieter accommodations.
The ship’s interiors were comfortable, with daily laundry services available at a low cost. Wi-Fi on board was poor. A gift shop on deck three featured all necessary purchase items.
Entertainment onboard was limited to occasional local dancers and music in the lounge on deck four. Wellness amenities included a well-equipped fitness area, massage services, hair and nail salon, a sun deck for walking, and a generously sized swimming pool with shade.
Dining and beverage
Food quality was adequate, with hot meals offered mainly heavy on meat. Beverage options were restricted, with the same wines served at lunch and dinner, beer and soft drinks, and a costly purchase list for additional alcohol due to Egyptian law.
The “Sip and Sail” hour before dinner had limited choices and no sparkling wine. The alternative dining venue, the Chef’s Table, served Egyptian meals with the best offerings being dips and breads.
The hotel and dining staff, including the Hotel Manager Rafik Nagy and Maitre d’Hotel Alaa Abdallah, provided attentive and considerate service, especially regarding dietary needs.
Excursions and tours
This is where AmaWaterways shone.
Tours were well-organised with police escorts ensuring safety at all times. Pre-cruise excursions in Cairo included visits to the Saladin Citadel, Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Ancient Memphis, Saqqara, Step Pyramid of Djoser, the Pyramids of Giza, and the Great Sphinx, with lunch at the renowned Mena House.
River excursions covered the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, the Temple of Edfu, Abu Simbel (flown to instead of a long coach ride), Philae Temple, a Nubian village, Kom Ombo, the Temple of Karnak and Luxor at night, the Papyrus Institute, and the Dendera Temple of Hathor, Qena.
Post-cruise Cairo tours included visits to a mosque, church, synagogue, Abdeen Palace, and lunch with efficient airport transfers concluding the trip. Every step of every day was timely.
Tips and recommendations
Travellers are advised to carry a small day travel bag due to frequent security checkpoints, and ladies should bring a pashmina-style throw for modesty when visiting religious sites.
Comfortable, non-slip shoes suitable for sand and uneven surfaces are recommended, as you will hear ‘watch the step, mind the gap’ every day. Food safety advice includes eating only at recommended venues with purified water and avoiding dairy products due to heat-related bacteria risks.
Verdict
The cruise provided an ample supply of bottled water, but sustainable water containers and refill stations are recommended.
Alcohol choices are limited, and food, while hot and adequate, is heavily meat-based. The Egyptologists were highly knowledgeable and respected, contributing to comfortable small-group touring on large coaches.
The standout aspect was the exceptional and genuine service from all onboard staff, reflecting AmaWaterways strong reputation and respect at venues like The Ritz-Carlton Cairo and Mena House Giza. We would willingly pay for another AmaWaterways experience.
The review and observations are based on a paid journey to Egypt from November 18 to 30, 2025 by Murray and Robyn Sinfield, Home Travel Company.
For more information, visit AmaWaterways.
