Mandarin Oriental is preparing to bring its luxury hotel experience to the water with its first river cruise ship.
The brand has unveiled plans for a Nile river cruise, which will be developed in partnership with travel brand the Garranah Group. It will offer three, four and seven-night itineraries between Luxor and Aswan.
No launch date or itineraries have been revealed yet but Mandarin Oriental said the vessel will “blend a romantic feel with a contemporary finish.”
Guests can expect large suites, three distinctive dining venues and a dedicated wellness space.
There will also be expert-led talks and immersive excursions around Egypt.
Mandarin Oriental already works with cruise lines such as AmaWaterways, providing hotel accommodation before and after cruises.
The latest move is part of an expansion of the brand’s hotel portfolio in Egypt, which includes the reopening of Mandarin Oriental Shepheard in Cairo in 2027.
In Aswan, Mandarin Oriental will assume management of the Old Cataract hotel from May 2026 and the Winter Palace in Luxor will close in early 2026 to begin a complete restoration before reopening in July 2027.
Laurent Kleitman, group chief executive of Mandarin Oriental, said: “Egypt is one of the fastest growing global destinations and presents a rare opportunity to create a journey that is both culturally rich and uniquely Mandarin Oriental.
“By uniting our first river cruise, with truly iconic historic hotels in Luxor and Aswan, alongside the upcoming Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, Cairo, we are introducing a seamless, end-to-end experience that unfolds across land and water.
“From the moment guests arrive in Egypt to the moment they depart, the journey is carefully curated through private access, expert guidance and exceptional care, offering encounters with Egypt's most significant heritage sites.”
Mandarin Oriental will join other cruise lines on the Nile including Tui and Viking.
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