AmaWaterways to Launch Third Nile River Ship AmaNubia in 2026
AmaWaterways is continuing to expand its presence in Egypt with the arrival of AmaNubia, a brand-new river ship joining its Nile fleet in late 2026. AmaNubia will become the third AmaWaterways ship sailing the Nile, alongside AmaDahlia and AmaLilia, giving customers more choice when exploring one of the world’s most historic river cruise destinations. Rather than moving towards larger ships as the fleet grows, AmaWaterways is continuing with the smaller vessels that characterise its existing Nile programme.
AmaNubia will carry just 76 guests, supported by a crew of 65, creating a very different atmosphere from many European river ships.
Introducing AmaNubia
At 72 metres long, AmaNubia will feature 38 staterooms and suites across five decks. The ship has been designed specifically for the Nile, with interiors influenced by Egyptian colours, craftsmanship and design while retaining the contemporary style associated with AmaWaterways. Accommodation will include a mixture of staterooms and suites, with some offering balconies and river views.
One of the most important spaces onboard will be the Sun Deck. Cruising the Nile is very much about the scenery as well as the ancient sites ashore, and the open deck will provide somewhere to watch the changing landscape as the ship passes villages, farmland, palm trees and desert.
AmaNubia will also include a swimming pool, fitness and wellness facilities, and two dining venues. Alongside the main restaurant, guests will be able to enjoy a regionally inspired multi-course speciality dining experience.
The crew-to-guest ratio is another notable feature. With 65 crew looking after no more than 76 guests, AmaNubia should offer a particularly personal level of service throughout the cruise.
How does AmaNubia compare with AmaDahlia and AmaLilia?
AmaNubia will sit between AmaWaterways’ two existing Nile ships in terms of guest numbers.
- AmaDahlia: 72 guests, 36 staterooms
- AmaNubia: 76 guests, 38 staterooms
- AmaLilia: 82 guests, 41 staterooms
All three are small by European river cruise standards. For customers, that means AmaWaterways is increasing capacity on the Nile without changing the intimate style of the experience.
AmaNubia should therefore feel familiar to anyone who has already travelled with AmaWaterways in Egypt, while offering the appeal of a brand-new ship and updated interiors.
Secrets of Egypt & the Nile
AmaNubia will sail AmaWaterways’ established Secrets of Egypt & the Nile itinerary, an 11-night journey combining time in Cairo with a seven-night Nile river cruise. That distinction is useful when comparing Nile holidays. Guests are not spending all 11 nights onboard. The journey begins with three nights in Cairo before flying south to Luxor to join the ship.
From Luxor, the cruise travels through Upper Egypt, visiting places including Edfu, Aswan, Kom Ombo and Qena before returning to Luxor. Guests then fly back to Cairo for the final night of the journey.
The sightseeing is a major part of the experience
A Nile cruise is quite different from many European river cruises because the sightseeing ashore plays such a central role. The itinerary brings together some of Egypt’s most important archaeological sites, including the Valley of the Kings, Karnak and Luxor Temples, the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the temples around Aswan and Kom Ombo. There is also the opportunity to experience Abu Simbel, depending on the excursion programme selected.
AmaWaterways uses expert Egyptologists throughout the journey, helping guests understand how the temples, pharaohs and different periods of Egyptian history fit together. That expert guidance is particularly valuable in a destination where there is so much history to take in over a relatively short period.
What is cruising the Nile actually like?
Although the ancient sites are a major reason for choosing this holiday, the river itself is also an important part of the experience. Sailing between Luxor and Aswan brings a changing landscape of green riverbanks, farming communities and palm trees, often with desert stretching away just beyond. It is completely different from cruising through the vineyards, castles and cities of Europe.
There is also something particularly fitting about travelling between Egypt’s ancient sites by river. The Nile has shaped life in Egypt for thousands of years, so the journey itself becomes part of understanding the destination. After some busy sightseeing days, simply spending time on the Sun Deck watching life along the river may become one of the quieter highlights of the holiday.
Who will AmaNubia and the Nile suit?
AmaNubia is likely to appeal most to travellers who want history and sightseeing to be a major part of their river cruise. It could be particularly well suited to:
- Existing AmaWaterways guests looking for a very different destination
- Travellers interested in ancient history and archaeology
- Guests who prefer genuinely small river ships
- Those who value guided sightseeing and expert interpretation
- Repeat European river cruisers looking farther afield
- Travellers comfortable with a more active sightseeing programme and some early starts
The Nile can also work very well as a first river cruise if visiting Egypt is the main attraction. The ship provides a comfortable base for seven nights, removing much of the need to repeatedly change hotels while travelling through Upper Egypt.
However, this is not primarily a relaxing week onboard. There can be early starts, plenty of walking around temples and archaeological sites, and warm temperatures depending on when you travel. For travellers mainly looking for gentle sightseeing and lots of downtime, a European river cruise may be a more straightforward first choice. For those who want history, culture and a strong sense of destination, the Nile offers something completely different.
What is included with AmaWaterways?
AmaWaterways includes many of the elements needed during the Nile cruise, although Secrets of Egypt & the Nile works slightly differently from a standard European river cruise because it also incorporates hotel stays, internal travel and extensive sightseeing.
While onboard AmaNubia, guests can expect breakfast, lunch and dinner, together with complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. The itinerary also includes a comprehensive programme of guided sightseeing, with expert Egyptologists accompanying guests to many of Egypt’s major archaeological sites. Selected meals and experiences are incorporated during the land portion of the journey as well.
For UK guests, AmaWaterways also offers fly-cruise packages on Secrets of Egypt & the Nile, with flights and overseas transfers included on selected fares. Internal flights between Cairo and Luxor form part of the overall itinerary. As inclusions and flight arrangements can vary between departures, we would always recommend checking exactly what is included in the sailing you are considering.
Our View
We think AmaNubia is an interesting addition to AmaWaterways’ Nile fleet. What stands out is not simply that another ship is being launched, but that AmaWaterways is continuing to grow in Egypt without moving away from the smaller ships that suit this destination so well.
With just 76 guests and 65 crew, AmaNubia should provide a very personal onboard experience and a comfortable place to return to after some very full days of sightseeing.
The ship matters, but for us the real reason to choose this journey is Egypt itself. The Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Luxor, Edfu, Aswan and the other ancient sites are at the heart of the experience, while travelling between them along the Nile adds another dimension that simply cannot be replicated on a land-only tour.
AmaWaterways’ combination of a seven-night cruise with time in Cairo also means guests see considerably more than they would on a cruise-only itinerary.
For existing AmaWaterways customers who have already explored rivers such as the Rhine or Danube, AmaNubia offers the opportunity to travel with a familiar cruise line in a destination that feels completely different. And for someone who has always wanted to visit Egypt, travelling along the Nile on a small ship can be a very comfortable way to experience many of its most important historic sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does AmaNubia start sailing on the Nile?
AmaNubia is due to join AmaWaterways’ Nile fleet in late 2026. Exact launch information is currently varying across AmaWaterways’ published material, so we recommend checking the first available departure when booking.
Is AmaNubia a new ship?
Yes. AmaNubia is a brand-new river ship designed specifically for cruising the Nile in Egypt.
How many guests will AmaNubia carry?
AmaNubia will accommodate a maximum of 76 guests in 38 staterooms and suites.
How many crew will AmaNubia have?
The ship is expected to have around 65 crew, giving it a particularly high crew-to-guest ratio.
Is AmaNubia AmaWaterways’ first ship on the Nile?
No. AmaNubia will become AmaWaterways’ third Nile ship, joining AmaDahlia and AmaLilia.
How long is the Nile cruise aboard AmaNubia?
The river cruise portion of Secrets of Egypt & the Nile lasts seven nights. The complete AmaWaterways journey lasts 11 nights and also includes hotel stays in Cairo before and after the cruise.
Where does AmaNubia sail?
AmaNubia sails through Upper Egypt between Luxor and Aswan, with visits to important historic sites around Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan and Qena.
Does the itinerary include the Valley of the Kings?
Yes. The Valley of the Kings is one of the major historic experiences included during the Nile portion of Secrets of Egypt & the Nile.
Are excursions included on AmaWaterways’ Nile cruises?
A substantial programme of guided sightseeing is included, with expert Egyptologists accompanying guests to many of Egypt’s major archaeological sites.
Is AmaNubia suitable for a first river cruise?
Yes, particularly if visiting Egypt is one of your main reasons for travelling. However, it is a more sightseeing-intensive experience than many European river cruises, with early starts, extensive excursions and plenty of walking around historic sites.
How does AmaNubia compare with AmaDahlia and AmaLilia?
All three AmaWaterways Nile vessels are small ships. AmaDahlia accommodates 72 guests, AmaNubia 76 and AmaLilia 82. The addition of AmaNubia therefore increases AmaWaterways’ capacity in Egypt without moving away from the intimate style of its existing Nile ships.
Can The River Cruise Company help me choose a Nile river cruise?
Yes. There are several different ways to experience the Nile, and the ships, hotel arrangements and overall itineraries can vary considerably.
Our team can help you compare AmaNubia with AmaWaterways’ other Nile ships and the wider choice of Nile river cruises to find the option that best suits the way you like to travel. If AmaNubia has caught your attention, speak to our team at The River Cruise Company and we can talk you through the ship, AmaWaterways’ Secrets of Egypt & the Nile itinerary and the different options for exploring Egypt by river.