Dahabiya Cruises
Experience a relaxing journey on Dahabiya Cruises . Dahabiya Cruises have revived those elegant days, but with modern comforts and conveniences. Dahabiya combines the comforts of the finest Nile cruisers with the gentler pace and intimate atmosphere of a Nile felucca.
Cruising Nile River
Best Times: December - March.
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Dahabiya Cruises were common in Egypt in the days of the monarchy (1920s-40s) when aristocrats and sophisticated travelers loved to cruise the Nile in style. They rented the boats for weeks at a time, and made their way from temple to temple enjoying the river breeze. The boats had four to ten cabins, bathrooms and a host of servants. The dahabiyya's were popular amongst those who wished to enjoy Egypt at a leisurely pace, to drink in the landscapes, and peruse the monuments and villages on the riverbanks.
Dahabiya have revived those elegant days, but with modern comforts and conveniences. Many visitors come to Egypt expressly to fulfill their dream of sailing the Nile. Most of them have been obliged to do this on large, fast-moving cruise boats. Dahabiya allow you to experience the Nile 's romance in an intimate, privileged setting. Relying on the soft river currents, it will take you back in time to a gentler, more gracious era.
Dahabiya are beautifully crafted wooden ships, outfitted in colonial style with oriental and Egyptian touches. The interiors boast period furnishing, and each cabin has its own decorative atmosphere. Some cabins offer two single beds and others have a double. Each Dahabiya comfortably accommodates twelve passengers.The cabins are located towards the front of the boat on the starboard and port sides, separated by a central corridor. The communal lounge covers the width of the boat, and is a lovely setting for enjoying meals. Engines will only be used if wind is insufficient to sail, but generators are available to provide electricity.