Oberoi doubles its Nile fleet

Luxury tour operator Oberoi has launched a new Nile River boat, the Oberoi Philae, in a rare piece of good news for the once popular river cruise destination. 

According to Clia UK & Ireland, only 8,900 people took a Nile cruise in 2014, the lowest it has been in years and a 27 per cent drop on 2013. Ongoing troubles, including the downing of a Russian passenger plane, indicate that the market still faces difficulty.

The company’s newest vessel, which features 22 cabins and suites, are fitted with French doors, luxury decor and wi-fi.

Cruises will operate between Aswan and Luxor as part of a four or six night itinerary. The vessel will join the Oberoi Zahra, doubling Oberoi’s presence on the Egyptian river.

The cruise is available through Cox & Kings for a £905 discount per person based on two people sharing on the 10 day  Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise tour, which includes a six-night sailing on the Oberoi Philae, 5-star accommodation in Cairo, and flights from London when booked by February 29, 2016. The price has dropped from £3,595 to £2,690 per person, valid on departures up until March 6, 2016.

Mahmoud Nourelden, manager of the the Oberoi Philae said: “The luxury Nile cruiser offers the discerning traveller an oasis of tranquillity with service that is warm, intuitive and personalised. We are confident that the cruiser will add tangible value to the hospitality sector in Egypt.”