There’s something about the Nile. A current of stories, a rhythm of life, a pulse that has shaped civilizations and continues to stir the soul of every traveler who drifts upon its waters. And now, with the launch of The Oberoi Melouk & Malekat Dahabeyas, that journey is reimagined—not just as a cruise, but as an experience crafted with heartfelt luxury and the kind of intimacy that turns moments into lifelong memories.
A New Definition of Luxury on the Nile
Why launch a pair of dahabeyas?
Because true luxury isn’t about extravagance; it’s about connection—to a place, to a culture, to the people who welcome you into their world.
The Oberoi Melouk & Malekat are designed for those who don’t just want to see Egypt but to feel it. It’s a journey where luxury means sailing close to the water, where the Nile itself becomes your companion, and where every sunset is savored from a spacious deck with a cocktail in hand and the hum of a traditional oud floating in the air.
Some families and groups of friends book out the entire vessel—because what could be better than exploring Egypt with those closest to you? At 55 meters long, these dahabeyas are not just intimate but remarkably spacious and indulgent, with every detail designed to elevate your journey.
And, of course, Oberoi’s legendary service ensures someone is there to take care of you at every step.
A Journey for the Senses
Unlike larger cruise ships, The Oberoi Melouk & Malekat Dahabeyas bring you closer—to the river, to the land, to the heartbeat of Egypt itself. It’s intimacy in motion.
- Feel the tranquility of the open deck as you glide past farmlands, fishermen, and river islands.
- Taste exquisite meals prepared by chefs whose food is so good, they might just need their own cookbook.
- Hear the laughter of the crew, the distant call to prayer, the soft rustling of palm trees lining the shore.
- See the grandeur of Luxor and Aswan at a pace that allows for both awe and absorption.
- Smell the fragrant herbs sourced from local gardens, woven into both your meals and spa treatments.
This is not a rushed itinerary. This is the art of slow travel, perfected. A 4- to 6-night journey between Luxor and Aswan that allows you to immerse, not just visit.
An Itinerary that Breathes
Day 1: Arrival & The Open-Air Museum
Step aboard, exhale, and sink into the elegance of your surroundings. After a lavish lunch and a moment of stillness, step into Luxor’s open-air museum, where the Luxor Temple awaits. Return to the dahabeya for a joy sail, drinks in hand, music setting the mood for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: The Valley of Kings & A Tranquil Sail
Step into history at the West Bank, Valley of the Kings, and its legendary tombs. A morning of wonder followed by an afternoon of gentle sailing, letting the day’s discoveries settle like golden dust in your memory.
Day 3: Esna & Edfu
Sail towards Esna, where islands drift past like pages of a storybook. Stop at Edfu, home to one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt.
Day 4: Islands & a Sunset BBQ
Now comes the magic. Meet local fishermen, explore vegetable farms, and step onto quiet islands where time slows. As the sun dips, an outdoor BBQ on the sundeck unfolds, traditional music filling the air, the river reflecting firelight and laughter.
Day 5: Aswan’s Ancient Echoes
Arrive in Aswan. Visit Philae Temple, a Nubian treasure, and the Nubian Museum—a deep dive into the culture that still pulses through the city. Discover more about aswan and nubian culture.
Day 6: A Private Nubian Island Farewell
No simple goodbye here. The final day is a celebration of Nubian culture, with traditional dancing, cooking, and cocktails on a private island, watching the sun set behind golden sand dunes. A farewell worthy of the journey.
Designed for Elegance, Crafted for Comfort
Luxury isn’t luxury unless it’s functional. This belief guided every aspect of the dahabeyas’ design:
- Spacious rooms (26 sqm!), the largest on the Nile.
- Timelessly designed furnishings, blending heritage with modernity.
- A plunge pool on deck—one of the few dahabeyas to offer this.
- Custom Italian cutlery, unique handmade tableware—because every touchpoint matters.
- Mood lighting, remote-control curtains, and advanced tech—because even in the middle of the Nile, comfort is king.
And at the heart of it all? The people. Oberoi service is not a script—it’s heartfelt. It’s the genuine care of a crew that anticipates your needs before you do. It’s the warmth of being looked after not because it’s required, but because it’s who they are.
A Culinary Experience to Remember
Food aboard The Oberoi Melouk & Malekat Dahabeyas is never an afterthought. Here, dining is an event in itself:
- No buffets, only made-to-order dishes.
- Regional flavors meet international excellence.
- A touch of India, honoring Oberoi’s roots while remaining Egypt-focused.
Wellness on the Water
Luxury isn’t just about what you see—it’s about how you feel. Here, wellness is woven into the journey:
- Spa treatments blending Egyptian oils with Indian chakra therapy.
- Morning yoga or guided stretches on the sundeck.
- An atmosphere of balance—between adventure and tranquility.
A Journey Etched in Memory
What will guests remember most? Not just the grandeur. Not just the sites. But how they felt. The small moments. The way Egypt opened itself up to them, not just as visitors, but as welcomed guests.
Dahabeyas have existed on the Nile for centuries. But The Oberoi Melouk & Malekat redefine what a Nile cruise can be.
Like Oberoi’s Zahra launch in 2007, this isn’t just another offering—it’s a shift in the very concept of Nile luxury. A heartfelt experience, curated with care, delivered with soul.
Step aboard. The Nile is waiting.
