I just got word about a new Nile River cruise that actually hearkens back to the days when dahabiehs — lanteen-rigged sailboats — were the main method of transportation on this waterway. These sail-powered vessels were used extensively up until the 19th century when steamships made their debut in the area. The popularity of dahabiehs waned as they were slower than steamships and so fell out of favor with many. Today, these sailing ships have been retrofitted for high-end travel up and down the Nile.

Abercrombie & Kent is now offering private travel aboard the new luxury dahabieh, Zein Nile Chateau. This ship is part of A&K’s Tailor Made Private Travel program. These intimate boats are perfect for small groups. And, since dahabiehs are smaller and more agile than traditional Nile River boats, they can visit more areas than their competitors.

Zein Nile Chateau was purpose-built for the luxury market with two expansive suites and four staterooms. Unlike other dahabiehs, the cabins on this sailboat are air-conditioned. Public areas include the dining room with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, cigar lounge, library, sun deck, oasis pool, and outdoor lounge designed for stargazing.

Travelers may charter Zein Nile Chateau. Seven-night itineraries start at $29,600 for up to 12 people. An experienced Egyptologist travels with all Abercrombie & Kent Nile River tours and with just 12 travelers on this ship, you’re sure to enjoy a personalized journey down the Nile.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact Abercrombie & Kent at 1-(800) 554‑7094.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxurySafariExperts.com

Photo courtesy of A&K Egypt — Sarah El Akkad

If you’ve been planning a trip to Egypt, you’ve probably read a lot about the new Uniworld ship River Tosca that  sails the Nile River. She’ll be out of service from February 1–March 19, 2010, and here’s what the company CEO is saying about it:

A Message from the President & CEO of Uniworld

Dear Valued Uniworld Travelers,

There has been quite a bit of information written about the River Tosca since it launched a couple of months ago, and I wanted to take this opportunity to personally give you an update on where things stand.

Over the last several years, we have seen a growing interest in Egypt, which is a glorious destination. As a company, we saw the need and opportunity to provide travelers to Egypt with a Nile River cruise ship that would be of a similar high standard as our ships in Europe. Uniworld commissioned the River Tosca with the goal that it would be one of the most luxurious ships to sail the Nile.

Unfortunately, we experienced some unexpected challenges in introducing the River Tosca and we are not happy with the current quality of workmanship finishes in several areas of the ship. The most obvious examples are the floors in the staterooms, main stairwell and corridors which were damaged and scratched during the installation; the mosaic tiles in the restaurant; and the paint and woodwork in the staterooms. We have therefore made the decision to dry dock the ship for seven weeks to correct the current deficiencies. The ship will therefore be out of service between February 1, 2010 and March 19, 2010.

We do have an alternative ship, the Miriam, which we will use while the River Tosca is dry docked. Uniworld has successfully used the Miriam prior to introducing the River Tosca and the ship is a good substitute. The crew from the River Tosca – including the Hotel Manager, Executive Chef, and Executive Housekeeper, all Uniworld employees from our European operation, will be onboard the Miriam. We will also bring onto the Miriam some of the special amenities currently available on the River Tosca, such as bed linens, robes, slippers, and bath products. We will be offering a compensation package to those clients sailing on the Miriam as we understand that some of our guests will be disappointed with the ship change; however, we will work very hard to ensure they still have a wonderful vacation in Egypt.

We are also going to proactively reach out to our guests who are traveling prior to February 1 to update them on the status of the River Tosca.

This was a very difficult decision because we know that this will have an impact on our valued guests – some who have chosen to travel with Uniworld because they wanted to experience the new River Tosca. It is also a difficult decision because, even with the current deficiencies of the ship, the overall feedback we have been receiving from guests who have already traveled on the River Tosca is very positive. The Cairo program, the Tour Managers, the excursions, the food, and the service onboard the ship have all been very well received. And of course the destination itself is fabulous. It is however the right decision for us to make.

Uniworld has built our very good reputation today on being a very reliable river cruise operator and we are committed to providing our guests with a fantastic vacation experience and value – in every region where we operate. When we re-launch the River Tosca in March, we are confident that we will achieve this commitment in Egypt.

After several years of successfully launching ships in Europe, the experience in Egypt has been a humbling one for me and the entire Uniworld team. I want to personally apologize to any of our guests who we may have let down and please know that we are working hard to achieve our stated goal of operating a luxury product in Egypt.

Kind regards,

Guy Young
President & CEO
Uniworld River Cruises, Inc.

Four Seasons Explorer

This past September, the 128-foot Four Seasons Explorer 11-cabin, three-deck catamaran was refurbished for three-, four-, and seven-night excursions around the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. While the vessel usually draws those interested in diving and snorkeling, even those who aren’t natural water babies enjoy seeing the Maldives from this intimate ship that caters to just 22 passengers.

Accommodations are what you’d expect at any land-based Four Season resort and feature 10 staterooms and one Explorer Suite. The suite includes a king bed, a daybed, an indoor dining area, couch, writing desk, bar, DVD/CD player, telephone, and in-cabin safe. The bathroom features a full bath tub, and separate shower. Regular staterooms can be outfitted with either a king bed or two twins. Staterooms also feature a sofa, desk, DVD/CD player, bar, phone, and safe. These bathrooms have a tub/shower combo.

The catamaran promotes a casual atmosphere and shorts and sundresses are acceptable attire, even during dinner. The casual vibe doesn’t skimp on service though…the entire boat is air-conditioned and you’ll find an onboard masseuse and a PADI dive center with Nitrox. Laundry service is also available.

As of the first of October 2009, Four Seasons Explorer began weekly itineraries. The first part explores the northern atolls of Baa and Raa and includes a stopover at the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru. The second part of the cruise expolores the southern regions, which may include Rasdhoo, North Ari, South and North Male atolls.

During the cruise, you’ll enjoy water activities like diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, waterskiing, and fishing. Other activities include visits to local villages and other island excursions.

Four Seasons Explorer video footage:

Four Seasons Explorer sails until December 20, 2009 and then she goes into dry-dock. She’ll be back on the water as of June 8, 2010.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa or Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxurySafariExperts.com

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons