There is something enchanting about sailing at a relaxed pace along the Nile river in one of the earliest steam powered ships in Egypt, the sun warming your shoulders as you stand on deck and take in the lush green fields and daunting historical sights of an ancient civilization. Out here, time stops. It feels as if the world has quieted.
The only luxury steamboat, Misr ("Egypt" in Arabic) is the first steam ship to exclusively cruise Egypt's Nile, retaining the original parts of its steam engine (which date back to the early 1900's), and normally uses its updated installation propellers to cruise the Nile.
Steeped in deep history, a luxury cruise vacation onboard Misr provides a royal experience. Cruise from the ancient cities of Luxor to Aswan, and become immersed in a Nile cruise experience. Much more than just room and board, a Nile steam cruise holiday is an experience encompassing meticulous 24-hour service, comprehensive on-board facilities and amenities, quality food and beverage, and unique entertainment.
Sometimes, it's the little things that matter. That's why we place great attention to detail. Guest coming back from excursions are greeted with warm, scented towels and a hot lemon drink. While out, stewards place towel sculptures and fresh fruits in guest rooms, and imported china and silverware is placed for dinner.
And with a 2:1 staff-to-guest ratio, guests are always greeted personally and their preferences noted within the first 24 hours of their stay.
After languishing in a shipyard in Imbaba for a few years, SS Misr was spotted by Tarek Imam, Deputy Managing Director of Traveline.
He was instantly smitten.
"It was love at first sight. I saw this beautiful boat that carried so much history sitting in a dock, sorely neglected and in bad need of restoration," said Mr. Imam.
Traveline purchased the boat in 2003, and began work on restoration. Keeping the original 1907 engine intact (which was in surprisingly excellent condition) the entire ship was reconstructed from scratch. In 2006, after three years of construction, the boat was restored to its original splendour.