Summary
Luxury Ship Unveiled on the Nile
A new luxury ship from the world’s top river-cruise line has just upped the ante in Egypt. The world’s best river cruise line has just unveiled a stunning new vessel on the Nile River.
The S.S. Sphinx is the latest over-the-top ship from Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, which recently took the top spot in iBestTravel’s 2021 World’s Best Awards. While it’s not the first high-end ship on the storied river, Uniworld aims to set a new bar for luxury with its 84-passenger, 42-stateroom cruiser.
Design and Features of S.S. Sphinx
“We’re thrilled to finally debut our new super ship in Egypt, providing guests with the most luxurious way to sail along the Nile with its exquisite design and experiences they won’t find anywhere else,” stated Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.
The eye-catching design of the Sphinx incorporates locally sourced Egyptian artwork, fabrics, and hand-carved furnishings. Moreover, it features sumptuous seating, rich colors, and marble-trimmed bathrooms.
“Over the past few years, our team has poured their hearts into perfecting every detail of the S.S. Sphinx, from spending weeks at a time searching the souks and bazaars for local design elements to connecting with local artisans and family-owned furniture businesses,” Bettridge explained. “Everything from the artwork to the ceilings to the ship’s bow was meticulously thought out and sourced locally, bringing the beauty and spirit of Egypt to life on board.”
Onboard Dining and Activities
The maximalist decor continues throughout the ship’s staterooms, featuring French balconies and intricate wood ceiling and door panels. The bedrooms boast upholstered walls covered in blue Egyptian cotton and custom carpets.
The Sphinx has two onboard restaurants, including an al fresco dining option on the top deck, along with a private dining room catering to small groups. Uniworld emphasizes Egyptian cuisine, presenting menus that reflect the destination, paired with locally made wines.
In addition, the ship offers amenities like a massage room, a gym, a small pool, and various lounging areas.
Excursions and Sightseeing
Notably, there’s no shortage of sights to see off the vessel. Uniworld will operate 12-day trips along the Nile, taking in iconic landmarks such as the Temples of Hatshepsut, Karnak, and Luxor. Furthermore, they offer excursions for sailing on traditional boats called feluccas or taking hot air balloon rides over the desert. These trips encompass time in Cairo, including guided visits to the Pyramids of Giza and the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities.
Health and Safety Protocols
As is standard aboard all Uniworld ships, guests on the Sphinx must be vaccinated and are required to wear masks in public areas when social distancing isn’t feasible.
The debut of the Sphinx follows other show-stopping new ships from Uniworld in recent years, including the Bon Voyage in France and the La Venezia, which was recently relaunched in Italy. Rates for 12-day itineraries on the Sphinx start at $4,799 per person and include meals, drinks, excursions, transfers, tips, and Wi-Fi.
